Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Trombidiformes, Tetranychidae

Size: 0.75 - 0.85 mm (about the size of a pinhead)

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in lawns with heavy fertilization and on the sunny sides of buildings, especially in spring and fall.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on the sap of more than 200 species of plants, especially clover, ivy, and lawn grasses.

Behavior Patterns

They are parthenogenetic, meaning they reproduce without males. They often migrate in massive numbers into homes through cracks around windows and doors during seasonal temperature changes.

Risks & Benefits

They pose no health risk to humans or pets and do not cause structural damage. However, they are a nuisance pest and leave a stubborn reddish stain if crushed due to their body pigments.

Identified on: 6/13/2026