Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Trombidiformes, Tetranychidae
Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (smaller than a pinhead)

Natural Habitat
Grassy lawns, gardens, and building exteriors, often entering homes through window sills in early spring or fall.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of over 200 different plant species, including grass, clover, and ornamental flowers.
Behavior Patterns
Active during cooler months (spring and autumn). They are known for leaving a bright red, blood-like stain when crushed, which is actually pigment, not blood. They reproduce parthenogenetically (without males).
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans or pets and do not cause structural damage. Their main risk is being a nuisance pest due to their large numbers and the potential to stain fabrics and wallpapers when crushed.
Identified on: 1/12/2026