What Are Clover Mites

July 28, 2017

In: Clover Mites

It is almost certain that you have come in contact with clover mites, although you may not have known what these tiny arachnids were. It may be that one day as you sat on your back deck that something caught your eye. Something minuscule and red! You may have thought you were looking at a small red spider, and you were surprised that you even noticed it because it was barely visible. But, then, as you took a closer look around, you realized that there were hundreds, no, wait, thousands of these itty bitty little red bugs everywhere. Now, ONE was interesting, but thousands are creeping you out. In fact, you feel as if there are tiny bugs crawling all over your skin at this very moment. Of course, your first instinct is to begin stepping on these creatures or crushing them with your hand, but you quickly realize that they are leaving bright red stains wherever they die. Well, guess what? You just had your first encounter with clover mites.

Clover mites are very small, oval arachnids. They are not spiders! Clover mites can be bright red, but they are typically reddish brown to a dark greenish brown and measure in at a mere 0.75 to 0.85 mm. They do have 8 legs, like all other arachnids, but their front pair of legs are twice as long as the others and can appear as if they are antennae, causing some confusion at times.

Clover mites are not known to carry and spread disease to people, but they can cause staining on fabric, walls, siding, and other areas when squished. Clover mites generally cause a lot of stress because they tend to group together in massive numbers. If you see one, you can be sure there are thousands, or more, close by. They typically remain outside where they are a nuisance to deal with; but they will find their way inside homes and businesses after heavy rain, during times of excessive heat, or during changes of season.

Clover mites typically enter building through holes in the foundation, around utility entrances, or around poorly fitting or damaged screens in doors and windows. You can help to keep these pests outside where they belong by checking these areas and making sure that any holes, cracks, or gaps are filled; but since clover mites are so small, they may still find a way in.

The very best way to avoid an infestation of clover mites is to put a year-round pest control plan in place. American Pest Solutions has developed our very effective PestGuard Home Pest Control Plan to keep clover mites and many other common household invaders out. To learn more about our industry-leading, environmentally responsible solutions to the pest problems in Massachusetts and in Hartford County, Connecticut, simply give us a call today.