Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (smaller than a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Grassy lawns, parks, and around the foundations of buildings or on sun-exposed walls.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use their mouthparts to suck the juices from grasses, clovers, and various other plants.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in spring and fall. They are known for 'swarming' on building siding or windowsills in large numbers. They reproduce parthenogenetically (without males).

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite humans or pets and do not transmit disease. They are considered a nuisance pest because they leave a stubborn red stain if crushed on fabrics or walls. They can damage turfgrass in large numbers.

Identified on: 4/18/2026