Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Tetranychidae
Size: Very small, approximately 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm long (about the size of a pinhead).
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in lush lawns, well-fertilized turfgrass, and on the sunny sides of residential or commercial buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of over 200 different plant species, primarily grasses and clover.
Behavior Patterns
Active in cool spring and fall weather. They often invade homes in large numbers through cracks around windows and doors when outdoor conditions become unfavorable or overcrowded.
Risks & Benefits
They are nuisance pests that do not bite humans or pets. The main risk is that they leave a reddish stain if crushed on surfaces like curtains or carpets. They provide no significant ecosystem benefit.
Identified on: 4/28/2026