Clover Mites

Clover mites are very tiny (smaller than a pinhead) but are usually bright red and often occur in large numbers at a time. They also have pink legs with their front two legs being as long as their entire body.

Interesting Facts About Clover Mites

– They feed on clovers, different kinds of grasses, and other common yard plants.
– These pests are best known for their often massive migrations into structures. Events like these are caused by either overpopulation, or harsh outside conditions like cold weather or times of drought.
– Adult clover mites will often spend the winter inside exterior walls. During winter and early spring when the temperature outside warms up even briefly, they will become active and migrate to both the inside and outside walls of the structure. This mostly happens on the south and west sides of buildings because of the warming effect of the sun.
– They are inactive when it is both very hot and cold.
– One will usually find them near windows or other entry points, but they are capable of infesting entire homes as they migrate.

Problems Caused by Clover Mite Pests

These creatures do not bite humans or pets, but are definitely a nuisance as they often migrate through homes in extremely large numbers. They don’t cause damage inside of homes, but will leave red stains on light colored walls or drapes if crushed.

Clover Mite Pest Prevention

Some places choose to install and maintain an 18 – 24 in. wide pea gravel or coarse sand perimeter around the foundation of their building to reduce the number of clover mites that travel inside, but as this is not always ideal for homeowners, there are many other options to consider. Mow host grasses and clovers often, do not excessively water or fertilize the host plants, use bark and mulches below bushes and shrubs, and if it is obvious that clover mites occur most in one particular area, attempt to identify the plant that is supporting the population and remove it if possible.

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