Clover Mite

Scientific Name: Bryobia praetiosa

Order & Family: Order: Trombidiformes; Family: Tetranychidae

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

Clover Mite

Natural Habitat

Typically found in lawns with heavy fertilization, on the sunny sides of buildings, and inside homes during spring or fall.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on the sap of over 200 different plant species, especially lawn grasses and clover.

Behavior Patterns

They are active in cooler temperatures and often migrate into buildings in large numbers when their host plants dry up or temperatures fluctuate. They do not spin webs.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets as they do not bite or transmit disease. They are considered a nuisance pest because they leave a characteristic red stain if crushed on surfaces like curtains or carpets.

Identified on: 3/5/2026