What Are These Tiny Red Bugs Around My Hartford Home?

Usually, when we are asked about tiny red bugs, the pest people are referring to is the clover mite. We also get asked, "What are these tiny red insects?" though the term "bug" is actually more accurate. Clover mites aren't insects. They're arachnids. One of the big distinctions between an insect and an arachnid is that insects have six legs and arachnids have eight. And, if you're wondering… Yes, clover mites fall into the same category as spiders and scorpions. Here are a few more things you should know about clover mites.

Do clover mites bite?

They don't bite humans. They do, however, bite plants. They use their mouthparts to suck the sap out of plant stems and grass. They're fond of mold and mildew as well.

Do clover mites spread diseases?

No. These are plant pests. Most plant pests are not a disease risk because they don't get into garbage cans, sewers, and other dirty places, or climb on dead animals and expose themselves to harmful bacteria. Plant pests don't feed on animals either. That means, they don't contract diseases from animals like mosquitoes, ticks, and other blood-eating pests. Plants pests eat the sap of plants.

Do clover mites present a threat to dogs or cats?

No. These little red bugs won't harm your doggie or your kitty. They are as harmless to them as they are to you.

Do clover mites damage homes?

No. But, when they are crushed, they can stain floors, carpets, drapes, clothing, furniture, and other objects. These stains can be hard to remove.

Can I get clover mites out of my house on my own?

These arachnids have the frustrating ability to get into wall voids where they are difficult to detect and difficult to remove. When DIY pest control is used to eliminate clover mites, it often leads to lost money and wasted time.

Why do clover mites get into homes?

The simple answer is: because they can. But that doesn't adequately answer the question. While clover mites will exploit any entry point they find and they can accidentally get into your home, there are some conditions that increase your chances of an infestation.

• Homes that have lots of plants around them are more susceptible to clover mite infestations because populations of clover mites are higher.
• If a home has a damp perimeter, it can increase the possibility of an infestation because clover mites feed on mold, mildew, and other plants that are present in damp areas.
• Dampness around a home can lead to wood rot and water damage. As clover mites feed on mold and mildew on the outside, they can work their way in and feed on it within the walls of a home. For this reason, clover mites may be a warning sign of water damage.
• Weeds near your home can create the perfect environment for clover mites to live and reproduce.
• Leaves and other organic debris can assist with the wet conditions that clover mites are drawn to.

What To Do About Clover Mites

If you're dealing with clover mites in your Hartford home, it is a good idea to have a pest control professional take a look. A professional can eliminate those invading arachnids and put in place a pest control barrier that will help keep those bugs from getting in again. This pest control barrier will be part of a residential pest control program that includes routine inspections and treatments for your home throughout the year.

When you invest in a residential pest control service like Pest Guard from American Pest Solutions, you get more than control for clover mites. You'll get coverage for a wide range of pests that can be dangerous to your health and your property, such as mice, rats, ticks, cockroaches, carpenter ants, and termites. Those little red bugs might be harmless, but the pests on this list are definitely not.

For Hartford homes, Pest Guard is the best solution for residential pest control. Reach out to American Pest Solutions today and get started by requesting a free pest evaluation for your home. Pest control is essential protection that every Connecticut home should have. Get yours in place today and rest easy.