If you’ve seen tiny red spiders on your plants, in your grass or even inside your home, they are likely to be clover mites. They are arachnids, like spiders, but belong to the mite family with the binomial name of “Bryobia praetiosa”. Found all over North America, they are most active in the spring and late fall and can cause damage to plants and grass.
Identifying A Clover Mite
Clover mites look like tiny red spiders, being about the size of a pinhead. They have long front legs that might look like antennae. They lay tiny, bright red eggs and are most commonly found in sunny, grassy areas. Grass blades that start turning silver indicate a clover mite infestation.
As they prefer cooler weather, clover mites are most active in the spring and late fall. While their natural habitat is outdoors, spring is when an indoor infestation of clover mites is most likely to occur. They can enter buildings through tiny gaps and cracks, including under doors and around windows. If they lay eggs, these will hatch in late fall, bringing another infestation of clover mites.
Are Clover Mites Dangerous?
Clover mites are not dangerous. They are not venomous and their tiny size makes it impossible for them to bite a human or a pet. They pose no threat to health or a building’s interior or exterior. Don’t squash them, however, as this will leave a red stain.
Plants are susceptible to damage from clover mites, who prefer to live in healthy grass. They eat a wide range of plants including grasses, flowers, weeds and herbs and in cases of severe infestation, they can kill patches of lawn.
How To Control Clover Mites
Clover mites can be a nuisance pest both indoors and outdoors. But is it possible to get rid of them or at least control them?
Indoor Clover Mite Control
- Ensure all cracks and gaps in the exterior of your building are sealed up, especially around windows and doors.
- Do not crush the mites, but you can use a wet rag to wipe them up if they’re not on a light colored surface or on fabric.
- Vacuuming the clover mites up is also an effective way to remove them without crushing them and causing stains.
- Consider using double sided tape to trap mites in areas where they have found a way in.
- Avoid using insecticide spray inside the home.
Outdoor Clover Mite Control
- Cut back plants, grass and vegetation near a building to stop the mites migrating inside.
- Hose off clover mites found on exterior walls. They are more commonly found on the south and west sides of buildings, trying to escape the heat.
- Adding plants and shrubs such as roses, marigold and juniper may discourage clover mites from infesting your garden.
- Contact a professional pest control company about using miticides and for advice on how to get rid of clover mites.
