All About Clover Mites
All the clover mite information you need in one handy spot.
Clover Mite Facts & Information
Clover mites are tiny – about the size of a pinhead – and are reddish brown. Populations typically move indoors in autumn when the plants that clover mites feed on start to perish, causing these pests to invade in high numbers — even by hundreds of thousands. 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 or buildings, but it can be a severe nuisance when it invades structures. 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 inside homes or businesses should be vacuumed up instead of crushed.
They differ from many pests in that they prefer cooler weather. Once the hotter summer weather arrives, clover mites will lay eggs and become latent. Depending on the weather that year, they may 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 building’s exterior or between walls, creating issues for all once they hatch.
They differ from many pests in that they prefer cooler weather. Once the hotter summer weather arrives, clover mites will lay eggs and become latent. Depending on the weather that year, they may 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 building’s exterior or between walls, creating issues for all once they hatch.
How Do I Get Rid of Clover Mites
There are a number of things you can do to get rid of clover mites. These include sealing up cracks and crevices around your windows and doors and reducing moisture around your foundation. The best way to get rid of a clover mite infestation, though, is to bring in a pest control company. They are tiny and shouldn’t be crushed. So, you can vacuum them up but a professional will be able to find where they are congregating and treat them at the source.
There are steps that you 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 building. Likewise, 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 structure. Since they are so tiny, you’re better off with a trained eye to seek them out.
There are steps that you 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 building. Likewise, 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 structure. Since they are so tiny, you’re better off with a trained eye to seek them out.
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Redeem OfferFAQS ABOUT CLOVER MITES
What do clover mites look like?
Clover mites are very small, even smaller than the head of a pin. They are typically reddish in color, but can also be reddish-brown, olive green, or even greenish-brown. Their most distinguishing feature is their long front legs, which are often mistaken for antennae.
Are clover mites dangerous?
Clover mites are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, and they do not carry any diseases. However, they can be a nuisance because they can invade homes in large numbers. They can ruin plants and crushing them will leave a red stain on walls, furniture, clothing, etc.
What do clover mites eat?
Clover mites eat the juices of plants, such as clover, grass, and weeds. They are not harmful to most plants, but they can cause cosmetic damage if they are present in large numbers.
How do I keep away clover mites?
Clover mites hate boric acid. Unfortunately, boric acid poisoning can happen to people and pets. So, while clover mites may be gone… it’s not really worth it to use this method. You can select plants that clover mites dislike and stay away from. Annuals such as marigolds, petunias, and zinnias, perennials such as salvia and roses, and shrubs and trees such as barberry, juniper, spruce, arborvitae, and yew can help.
Can clover mites fly?
Nope! Clover mites cannot fly. They crawl around vegetation and concrete slabs outdoors, looking for plant life such as well fertilized grasses to feed on.
Do clover mites bite?
The sight of clover mites in the house can cause distress. However, clover mites do not bite humans or cause adverse health issues. Despite this, most homeowners do not take kindly to large numbers of these small, red colored bugs crawling around indoors.
Why Western FOR CLOVER MITE CONTROL?
We’re passionate about controlling clover mites because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. With our almost 100 years of experience keeping homes and businesses in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania safe from pests, Western has the experience you can trust.
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