Clover Mite

Actual Size: 1/30”

Characteristics: Very small with long front legs. Reddish-brown in color.

Legs: 8

Antennae: No

Wings: No

Habitat: Drawn to sunny areas with direct light. If they wind up indoors, they tend to congregate near windows.

Habits:

  • Though they leave a red stain when crushed, the color is not from blood.
  • Are tiny and look like small dark specks crawling around.
  • Attracted to sunny areas and often gather on southern walls.


Clover Mites in Memphis TN Metro Area

Clover mites are classified as a bothersome pest that can infiltrate structures in large numbers, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons. They are found globally and are present throughout the United States. While clover mites used to be seen as occasional invaders, they have now become a significant pest due to the expansion of suburban areas and the establishment of well-fertilized lawns that grow close to house foundations.

Clover Mite Habitat

During winter, clover mites primarily exist in the egg stage, taking shelter under tree bark, cracks in fence posts, building sheathing, foundation gaps, or other dry and protected areas. The eggs start hatching in early spring, and a new generation is completed during the spring and early summer. Clover mites are attracted to sunlight and tend to gather on the sunny southern and eastern sides of houses. When these mites have successfully infiltrated a building, they can become a significant nuisance for homeowners. They appear as dark red specks crawling on siding, doors, windows, drapes, curtains, and furniture.

Clover Mite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Clover mites are considered pests not because they bite or transmit diseases, but solely due to their ability to invade structures in astonishingly large quantities. In fact, in 1954, a single bedroom was estimated to have around 250,000 mites crawling on the floor! When crushed, clover mites leave behind a red stain, which is not blood but rather their natural color. Due to their small size, homeowners may not even realize the presence of clover mites in their homes until they have already spread. However, what people are most likely to notice are the red stains left behind by the clover mites.

If you are dealing with a clover mite problem, contact your local tick & mite control experts for help.