Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 - 0.9 mm (about the size of a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in lush lawns, grassy areas, and on sun-exposed sides of buildings. They often accidentally enter homes during spring and autumn.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of more than 200 species of plants, including clover, grasses, and ornamental shrubs.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in the spring and fall. They do not bite people but can leave behind a bright red stain when crushed, which is the pigment from their body, not blood.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans and pets as they do not transmit disease. They are primarily a nuisance pest because they can stain indoor fabrics, carpets, and curtains when crushed.

Identified on: 4/4/2026