What Are Clover Mites?

Clover mites are tiny, red pests that are actually arachnids because they have eight legs like a spider. Unfortunately, for homeowners, a female clover mite does not need a male to reproduce. This is known as parthenogenesis and can produce up to 70 eggs which mature in about 30 days. Although small and capable of starting a clover mite infestation quickly.

What Does a Clover Mite Look Like?

The clover mite is one of the biggest species of mites that feed on plants.

They are pests that damage grass, plants, exterior walls, and more. A bright red or green in color and only .75 mm long. Additionally, clover mites have a front pair of long legs. This pair of legs is often mistaken for antennae.

Can you see clover mites?

Clover mites are .75 millimeters. This equals to .03 of an inch, which is an extremely tiny pest. It is common to see a cluster of mites rather than a single insect. These pests are like cracks and crevices in other areas outside of buildings. Therefore, if you see a large reddish cluster of pests, then you will be able to see them.

How do I know if I have mites?

The most obvious sign of a clover mite infestation is where you see these reddish pests. You might find them crawling in the sunny areas of a home during the spring. Usually, surfaces such as the siding or around windows. You might also find large numbers of this pest around the walls of a house in early spring.

What are these Mites Attracted to?

Heavily fertilized lawns are what attract these tiny insects. Certainly, clover mites feed on plants, clover, grass, and weeds. You may wonder why you have mites in large numbers. But, if you have any of these attractants, this could be the reason why.

How long can mites live in the home?

A generation of clover mites lasts about 30 days. Clover mites, as adults, make the outdoor home. They live for around two weeks. The females lay more than 70 eggs at one time. They may lay eggs in a mass or singly. She ensures her eggs are laid in places that have plenty of sunlight to keep them dry to survive cooler temperatures.

How long do clover mites live?

A clover mite population consists entirely of females; therefore, their reproduction process is parthenogenetic. This type of reproduction process means the young mature from eggs that are not fertilized. Once fully mature, a clover mite may live for two weeks. Their lifespan depends on sufficient weather conditions and if they are outdoors.

How do you get clover mites?

A clover mite is a pest that is seasonal. Yet, once there is already an infestation it is hard to get rid of clover mites. These tiny spider-like bugs can make the smallest crack an entry point into homes. They come in on the south and southwestern side of a home. Although they prefer well-fertilized lawns, they come inside homes through cracks in doors and windows.

Will clover mites get in my bed?

You can rest assured these tiny insects do not normally like your bed. They prefer places such as the sides of buildings, walls, and window sills.

What plants attract clover mites?

As their name implies, clover mites like clover. They also enjoy a well-fertilized lawn, ornamental plants, and certain trees. These small spider-like bugs also like any flowers and shrubs you plant, as well as weeds.

Can these mites live on humans?

These mites do not live on humans. They don’t live inside and are not recognized for the spread of disease. However, you cannot see them and won’t feel their bite. The way you know you have been bitten is by the red, itchy trail looking similar to a skin rash.

Are clover mites harmful to humans?

Although they are a nuisance, they don’t feed on human blood like other mites. They can cause serious infestation, but they don’t harm human health. If crushed, these mites leave a red stain behind.

What do clover mites eggs look like?

The clover mite’s full name is Bryobia praetiosa Koch (Arachnida: Acari: Tetranychidae). They have super long front legs and are reddish-brown in color. The eggs they lay are .12 mm around and shaped in the form of a ball. While in their immature phases, the dorsal setae body of the larvae is serrated, long, and slender.

The eggs of clover mites may be found in the crack and crevices of buildings, a home’s foundation, and sidewalks. One can find clover mite eggs in places that are dry and sheltered.

How do you get rid of mites?

One home remedy for pest control is to use a wet sponge. You can also use a vacuum cleaner crevice attachment to suck them up. Just make sure not to crush these mites, as they do leave behind a stain. Another way to prevent clover mites is by removing grass and vegetation growth around the foundation of your home. When using this method, ensure to leave at least a two-foot strip of vegetation-free earth between the foundation and grass.

Clover mites hate talcum powder, baking soda, and diatomaceous earth. Therefore, sprinkle any of these substances in the cracks around the house foundation, windows, and doorways. You will prevent their entrance.

Does soapy water kill clover mites?

Using a soapy water concoction of 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid to a gallon of water will temporarily rid these mites. This method will work for a while. But you can call an expert in pest control, such as A.N.T. Pest Control, to rid them.

What Scents Abhor clover mites?

Little clover mites hate the scent of peppermint oil. There are many other essential oils that they dislike, yet peppermint oil is number one. If you are wiping these bugs up with a damp cloth, try not to squish them. They do leave a nasty red stain behind that is difficult to remove, especially in light-colored areas.

How do you get rid of mites in your house?

This tiny pest is more than a nuisance. It creates damage and kills what you plant in the spring. But you can prevent clover mites and eliminate them by using boric acid inside your house for pest control. Sprinkle the acid in areas and common entry points where you have seen this pest in your home. Boric acid acts as a control barrier and will prevent mites. Keeping them out of your home. Boric acid can also destroy potential places they might lay eggs. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can always call a university-trained pest professional. He can make sure these insects disappear.

Call a Professional to Get Rid of Clover Mites for Good

There are lots of home remedies for the control of and getting rid of mites. Yet, the best way is to call for the services of a pest control professional. Besides, the pest specialists at A.N.T. Pest Control is a right reserved pest control company. Our mite control service will keep your home and yard pest-free. And certainly, we know the best ways to get rid of mites and how to save your lawn and plants. So, give us a call today, and put an end to these tiny bugs for good!