Pest Guide for Clover Mites
Clover mites are considered arachnids and are close relatives of spiders and ticks; this is perhaps why they look similar to both. However, clover mites are tiny – a full-grown mite is slightly smaller than the head of a pin. This makes them hard to detect and gives them the opportunity to hide in a variety of small places. Look for tiny round reddish or reddish-brown bodies that leave rusty or blood-red spots when crushed (this isn’t blood, it’s just from their coloring).
Where They’re Found
Clover mites can hide nearly anywhere, but they’re most commonly found in cracks along windows, walls, shingles, siding, under tree bark, and more. Because they look for warmth, you’ll often find them on the sunny side of your home during the spring and summer. However, you’ll sometimes find them during sunny days when it’s colder outside.
Diet
Luckily, these tiny arachnids are no threat to humans, buildings, or furnishings – they tend to feed on the sap of grasses, clover, trees, shrubs, and more than 200 other plants. And because they’re so small, they rarely do any significant damage to foliage, so you don’t have to worry about them infesting any flowers, vegetables, or fruits you may have.
Infestations and Prevention
Even though clover mites are virtually harmless, they can migrate in large groups into homes and buildings during the summer and early fall. They’re most commonly found in homes and buildings that are surrounded by lush, well-fertilized lawns and shrubbery. You may even find them on roofs that have moss or algae on them.
To prevent clover mites from becoming a problem in your home, remove grasses and weeds up to 24 inches away from your foundation. You can also place a band of gravel, wood chips, coarse sand, or another plant-free covering around the foundation to deter them from the area. If you do find yourself with a clover mite infestation, however, don’t hesitate to call our pest control company. We’ll help you eliminate them safely and effectively.
