Red Mite or Clover Mite
Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa
Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes, Family: Tetranychidae
Size: Tiny, approximately 0.75 mm or smaller (often appearing as tiny moving red specks to the naked eye).
Natural Habitat
Typically found outdoors on lawns, clover, and vegetation; frequently invade homes in large numbers during spring and fall through small cracks around windows and doors.
Diet & Feeding
Plant feeders, sucking juices from grasses, clovers, and other plants. They do not feed on humans or pets.
Behavior Patterns
They are active during cooler periods (spring/autumn) and tend to seek shelter indoors when temperatures drop or vegetation dries out. They are known for leaving reddish stains when crushed.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans and pets (they do not bite or transmit disease). However, they are considered a nuisance pest because they can invade structures in massive numbers and leave stubborn red stains on fabrics and walls if squashed.
Identified on: 3/6/2026