Clover Mite
Bryobia praetiosa
- Order & Family
- Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae (Spider Mites)
- Size
- Very small; typically roughly 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm in length (smaller than a pinhead).
Natural Habitat
They typically live outdoors on lawns, clover, ivy, and other plants. They frequently invade homes during the spring and fall, especially on the sunny south or southwest sides of buildings.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous. They feed on the juices of various plants, including clover, grasses, ornamental flowers, and shrubs.
Behavior Patterns
Clover mites are nuisance pests rather than structural ones. They are most active in cooler temperatures and migrate indoors when their host plants die back or temperatures drop. They leave behind a distinguishing red stain if crushed.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They do not bite, sting, or carry disease, but they can be a major nuisance when invading homes in large numbers. Crushing them leaves stubborn red stains on fabrics and walls. Benefits: None significant to humans, though they are part of the soil/plant ecosystem.