Clover Mite

Category:

Actual Size: 1/64″

Characteristics: Very small,bright red moving dots.

Habits:

  • Grass feeders
  • Invade in April and September.
  • Leave red stain if crushed.
  • They do not bite.

Clover Mites in SE Louisiana and Mississippi

Although clover bites do not bite and don’t pose any direct threats to humans, they can be a severe nuisance when they infest a building. They are a common household pest that tends to be attracted to lawn fertilizer. Usually, red or green in color, these mites have elongated legs and tiny scales on their abdomen. While it can be hard to spot them because of how tiny they are, these red mites are often found in sunny windowsills throughout homes.

Life Cycle of Clover Mites

Clover mites are close relatives of ticks and spiders and are true mites, not insects.  Their eggs are often nestled in cracks or crevices of sidewalks, under tree bark, or between building walls. When temperatures get warm enough, clover mite eggs will hatch. Springtime is when clover mites become the biggest problem for homeowners. In addition to being found in windowsills, clover mites inside homes can be found in curtains, linens, and furniture.

Preventing and Controlling Clover Mites

For the most part, clover mites prefer to live outdoors and feed on plants. When they are smashed, fully grown adults will leave behind a signature red stain. For this reason, it’s important to vacuum them up instead of smashing them inside your home.

There are several ways to help prevent mites, most of which entail keeping a tidy yard. Removing unruly vegetation as well as keeping shrubs and grass trimmed can help prevent mites from finding your property suitable to invade. Sealing your home off to clover mites by closing up any cracks or crevices can also help keep clover mites outside.