Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae
Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (about the size of a pinhead)

Natural Habitat
Grassy lawns, clover fields, and the exterior/interior walls of buildings near heavy vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the sap of over 200 different plants including clover, grasses, and shrubs.
Behavior Patterns
Active in cool temperatures (spring and fall). They exhibit a red color due to their internal fluids and are known for crawling into homes in massive numbers when their outdoor environment becomes unfavorable.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no health risk to humans or pets and do not cause structural damage. However, they are considered a nuisance pest because they leave a permanent red stain when crushed.
Identified on: 3/12/2026