Clover mites are tiny arachnids that often cause alarm when they suddenly appear in large numbers, typically near or inside homes. These small, reddish-brown creatures are considered “accidental invaders” because they live outside. They are most commonly noticed during migration periods in the early spring and fall, when they seek shelter or new food sources. Understanding their nature is the first step in managing these common household pests.
Clover Mite Identification and Biology
Clover mites are plant-feeding mites, measuring less than a millimeter long, making them smaller than a pinhead. Their oval bodies range in color from bright red to reddish-brown or dark greenish-brown, depending on their recent feeding. They have eight legs, with the front pair being notably elongated, often causing them to be mistaken for antennae.
These mites sustain themselves by sucking sap from vegetation. While they feed on clover, they also consume a wide variety of plants, including lawn grasses and ornamental shrubs. Female clover mites reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis), allowing populations to grow quickly.
Defining the Nuisance
Clover mites do not pose a health risk to people or pets, as they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They also do not infest food or cause structural damage to buildings. The primary issue that elevates them to pest status is the cosmetic damage they cause when they are physically crushed.
Crushing a mite releases a vivid red pigment contained within their body fluids, which leaves a noticeable stain on light-colored surfaces like walls, carpets, and windowsills. This red mark is the mite’s natural body pigment and is difficult to remove from porous materials. Once inside a structure, they cannot reproduce and generally die within a few days, but their mass presence and potential for staining make them a significant annoyance.
Preventing Entry into Structures
Proactive exclusion is the most effective strategy for managing clover mites and preventing indoor invasions. A physical barrier around the foundation of the home can significantly deter their movement toward entry points. Creating a plant-free strip, 18 to 24 inches wide, covered with a coarse material like pea gravel or crushed stone, makes it difficult for the mites to cross.
The next step involves sealing all potential entry points on the exterior of the structure. Cracks, gaps, and openings in the foundation, siding, and around utility lines should be sealed with durable caulk. Weatherstripping around windows and doors should be repaired to ensure a tight fit, as mites can slip through extremely small openings. Additionally, trimming back shrubs and tree branches so they do not touch the house removes a direct pathway for the mites to climb the exterior walls.
Methods for Eliminating Infestations
Once clover mites have entered a home, the focus shifts to removal without causing staining. The recommended approach for indoor removal is to use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to physically suck up the mites. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag afterward to prevent the mites from escaping.
A wet sponge or soapy cloth can also be used to wipe them up gently, taking care not to crush them against the surface. For outdoor infestations, targeted chemical control can be applied to the perimeter of the home to reduce the population. This involves spraying a mite-labeled insecticide around the foundation, up the walls about two feet, and extending onto the surrounding soil or lawn. For severe infestations, products containing bifenthrin or permethrin are often used as a barrier treatment.