Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Tetranychidae
Size: 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm (extremely small, barely visible to the naked eye as a moving red/brown dot).
Natural Habitat
Typically found on domestic lawns with heavy fertilization, on the sunny sides of buildings, and occasionally inside homes through cracks and window seals.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous; they feed on the juices of over 200 different plant species, primarily grasses and clovers.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active during the spring and fall. They do not bite humans or pets and cannot survive long or reproduce inside a house. When crushed, they leave a distinct red stain due to their body pigment.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no health risk to humans or pets and do not damage household structures. They are considered a nuisance pest primarily because they can leave red stains on curtains, carpets, and walls if crushed.
Identified on: 3/20/2026