Clover Mite
Bryobia praetiosa
- Order & Family
- Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae (Spider Mites)
- Size
- Approximately 0.75 mm (less than 1/30th of an inch) in length.
Natural Habitat
Often found on lawns, clover patches, and grassy areas. They frequently invade homes in spring and autumn, congregating on windowsills and siding, particularly on the sunny side of buildings.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on sap from grasses, clover, and approximately 200 other types of garden plants.
Behavior Patterns
Clover mites are parthenogenic (reproduce without fertilization) and are most active in cooler weather (spring/fall). They often seek shelter indoors during extreme heat or cold. When crushed, they leave a characteristic rusty-red stain.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are a nuisance pest indoors due to their large numbers and the red stains they leave when squished. They do not bite, carry disease, or damage structures. Benefits: Minimal, though they are part of the soil food web.