Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

Size: Very small, approximately 0.75 to 0.85 mm long (smaller than a pinhead).

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

They thrive in well-fertilized lawns and gardens, often found on clover, grasses, and shrubs. They frequently invade homes in large numbers, especially around windowsills and sunny sides of buildings, during spring and fall.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivores that feed on plant juices. They particularly favor clover, grasses, and various ornamental plants. They do not feed on humans or animals.

Behavior Patterns

They are most active in cooler weather (spring and fall) and become dormant during fierce summer heat and freezing winter cold. They are known for gathering in massive numbers on the sunny outer walls of buildings and accidentally migrating indoors.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: They are a nuisance pest rather than a health threat. They do not bite or spread disease, but if crushed, they leave a distinct, reddish stain that is difficult to remove from fabrics and walls. Benefits: Minimal, primarily playing a small role in the food web.

Identified on: 2/8/2026