Problems Clover Mites Cause

Before we get into all the problems that bright red, oval-shaped clover mites can cause, let's take a quick moment to talk about a few of the problems that most people "think" they cause.

Being a mite comes with a reputation. But, in the case of the clover mite, this is an undeserved reputation. Although you might think that these tiny little bugs are blood eaters because they make a red splotch when you squish them, they are actually plant eaters, not blood eaters. So you don't have to worry when you find a few thousand of them in your home. They're not going to feed on your dog's ears, bore their way into your skin, or bite you aggressively around your belt line.

When these bugs are found in large numbers, it is easy to think that they're a danger to your home. Fortunately, they aren't. Clover mites don't damage homes. But it is important to understand that the appearance of clover mites in a home can be a warning sign that the home has water damage. These bugs exploit holes that form when wood rots and other pests nibble. Clover mites are also not an illness-spreading pest. Since they don't bite people, they don't transmit diseases. And, since they don't get into dirty places and spread bacteria to food prep surfaces, plates, silverware, and food, they are not considered a bacteria-spreading pest. Now that we've covered the problems clover mites don't cause, let's take a look at the problems they do cause. When clover mites get into a home, they can create quite a mess. For the most part, this mess is nothing more than a nuisance that can be addressed with a vacuum cleaner. But, in some cases, the red pigmentation from clover mites can cause some items to become stained. This happens when these little bugs are squashed on carpets, furniture, bedding, and more. The biggest problem clover mites cause actually occurs outside of a home. Clover mites are considered a lawn pest, and they can do quite a number on your grass. This is because they suck the sap out of plants, especially turfgrass. This damage is often seen in areas where moisture accumulates. And clover mites can be found infesting over 200 kinds of plants. That means your turfgrass isn't the only vegetation in your yard that is in danger of being damaged.

A Few More Interesting Facts About Clover Mites

• A clover mite is as tiny as the period at the end of this sentence.
• Clover mites are not insects. They are arachnids.
• Clover mites can invade porches or homes by the thousands.
• Clover mites are most problematic in the late spring or early fall.
• Clover mites love the sunshine and often are seen gathered on sunny southern or eastern exposures. When the weather turns cooler, this is when this behavior usually happens. And if they find gaps or cracks in a structure, they will find their way inside.
• In the spring and in the fall, female clover mites lay bright red eggs in dry protected cracks and crevices, often under siding or in bricks.
• When they hatch, clover mite babies are virtually identical to their mothers.
• The United States clover mite population is 100% female.
• These creatures are parthenogenetic reproducers, which means eggs do not require fertilization by male clover mites.
• If you create a two-foot grass-free strip around your home's perimeter, this can help keep clover mites from invading.

What Can I Do About These Clover Mites?

There are a few things home or business owners can do to prevent clover mites from getting in, like sealing up gaps and cracks on the outside of the structure, but these insects are so tiny, it only takes the smallest of openings for them to get in. Control of clover mites is best performed by a professional pest controller.

Here at American Pest Solutions, we have the years of experience, the proper tools and products, and the knowledge to take care of your clover mite problem. Reach out to American today for prompt assistance.