Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: Very small, typically 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm in length (smaller than a pinhead).

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Found outdoors on grasses, clover, and other plants. They frequently invade homes in spring and fall, often crawling around windowsills, siding, and curtains on the sunny side of the house.

Diet & Feeding

Plant feeders that suck juices from grasses, clovers, and other plants; they do not bite humans or animals.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in cooler weather (spring and fall) and seek warmth on sunny exterior walls. When crushed, they leave a distinct reddish stain.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are nuisance pests that can stain fabrics and walls red when crushed due to their pigmentation. Benefits: None significant to humans, though they are a part of the outdoor food web.

Identified on: 3/1/2026