As temperatures begin to drop, you will begin to see different types of insects migrate indoors seeking warmth, shelter, and food. One insect you may commonly run into are clover mites. They are tiny red insects that can easily invade your home through cracks and crevices. Spaces like cracks under a doorway, the tiny space under your screen door, or even gaps around pipe or wiring! Today we’ll provide some DIY tips to prevent winter invasions from clover mites.

What Are Clover Mites?

 

Clover Mites are closely related to spiders, scorpions, and ticks. These insects can often be found feeding on clover, grass, weeds and other greenery however, they have been found invading homes by the thousands. Fortunately, clover mites do not damage buildings and furniture nor do they bite or cause harm to humans or pets. 

• Full-grown spider mites are slightly smaller than a pinhead and have a bright reddish or green body.
• At about 1/20 of an inch in size, clover mites look like dark specks crawling around siding, doors, windows, drapes, curtains, and furniture ∙
• When crushed they will leave a red stain, therefore we recommend vacuuming them indoors. 
• Clover mites usually lay eggs along cracks in the sidewalk, driveway, or cracks within building walls. 
• A female clover mite can lay up to 70 eggs that will mature in approximately 30 days. 

Here are a few Prevention Tips

Cover Mites live close by and on their food sources sucking out the sap of the plants that they infest

• Examine the perimeter of your home for gaps, holes, or cracks. Seal these areas with caulk or other repair materials. 
• Address any areas of wood rot, especially the sills of your home just above the foundation wall.
• Move any grass and weeds up to 24 inches away from the foundation of the structure.
• Placing plant free gravel, coarse sand, lava rock or wood chips around the foundation will help clover mites away from the structure. Clover mites have difficulty crossing such barriers.
• Avoid excessive watering and fertilizing near the structure, to avoid lush growth of host plants close to the home. 
• Inspect the home for entry points. Check the foundation, window frames, and siding for cracks. These areas should be sealed to prevent entry.

 

Call for Help

Our team of highly trained technicians will be able to assess, diagnose, and help you solve your most frustrating garden pest problems. 

 

AANTEX Pest Control offers a variety of free inspections and services to the entire Bay Area. 1-800-471-5555