What You Need to Know About Clover Mites

You may notice these tiny little specs on your foundation, siding, walkways or stone walls, the closer you look they start to move…YIKES, there are thousands. These are most likely the Red Clover Mite.

Although they are nothing like finding a four leaf clover. This dark reddish brown pest, which is smaller than a pinhead, does not pose a threat to human health or cause major damage to homes, but it can be a severe nuisance when it invades structures. These mites can invade your home by the thousands, appearing all over window sills and walls.

Clover mite activity increases as temperatures start to drop, during which time they pay homage to their name by feasting on clovers, over-fertilized grass and many other plants. In fact, clover mites eat more than 200 different plant species, including some flowers. Their activity peaks in the cooler, early spring months when they can become the greatest nuisance to homeowners – so be prepared to see clover mites in masses this time of year. These mites will go into a dormant state around May and remain that way until September. Any eggs that are laid in fall will overwinter until hatching the following spring. These eggs are often positioned in the cracks and crevices of a home’s exterior or between walls, creating issues for homeowners upon hatching.

In the Northeast, many people are bothered by the mites again in early September. Populations typically move indoors at this time, when the plants that clover mites feed on start to perish, causing these pests to invade in high numbers — even by hundreds of thousands. When smashed, adult clover mites leave behind a red stain, especially on items such as curtains, wallpaper, rugs and other furniture that are lighter in color. As such, clover mites found in the home should be vacuumed up instead of crushed.

Clover Mite Prevention

There are steps that homeowners can take to prevent clover mite infestations indoors. For starters, thick vegetation or plants that are known to attract clover mites should be removed in an 18 to 24-inch band around the perimeter of the home. Likewise, homeowners should inspect the structure, including the foundation, window frames and siding for cracks that may serve as entry points. These spaces should be properly sealed to prevent clover mites from laying eggs or entering the home.

Getting Rid of Clover Mites

If you notice any signs of clover mite activity around your home or property, contact All County Pest Control and we will be happy to help.