Clover Mite Identification & Prevention

Clover mites are occasional invaders that typically enter homes and businesses in large numbers in the late fall. Clover mites are a type of mite and are close relatives of ticks and spiders. They are not insects.

Description

Clover mites are very tiny in size; adults only grow to be about the size of a pinhead. Clover mites have an oval body, are wingless, and have four pairs of legs; using magnification, you can see that their front legs are much bigger than the rest of the legs. Clover mites are usually red; however, they may be more greenish or brown depending on the specific species.

Biology and Behavior

• Clover mites reproduce parthenogenetically; this means that the females do not need males to reproduce. 
• Clover mites complete four stages throughout their life: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.
• Females can lay up to 70 eggs at a time.
• The female clover mite lays her eggs throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
• Clover mites can overwinter in both the egg and adult stages.
• When the weather warms above freezing in the spring, the overwintering eggs hatch and develop into new, mature adults.
• Clover mites are plant feeders, and as their name suggests, they love to feed on clover; but they will happily feed on grasses and weeds.
• Clover mites are not dangerous to people or pets.
• Clover mites can become a considerable annoyance inside homes and other buildings because they invade in large numbers.
• Clover mites can cause damages to property; as they crawl throughout your home or business, they are often accidentally crushed and leave behind red stains. The stains can damage upholstered furniture, curtains, clothing, carpets, and like items.