Though clover mites are large by mite standards, they are still smaller than a pinhead. Because they are so small, they can easily invade homes through tiny openings around windows and doors. Though tiny, clover mites are very noticeable due to their reddish color. They are also easily identified by their long front legs, which are about twice as long as the other legs.
Clover mites do not bite people (they are plant feeders) or directly damage home furnishings but can leave unsightly stains on curtains, walls, carpets and other structures if they are crushed.
Mites can be removed from inside the home with a vacuum cleaner. Bags should be removed
and sealed after use to prevent mites from escaping.
It can also be helpful to try to prevent clover mites from entering the home through the use of physical barriers and miticides. Mites do not readily cross loose, clean, cultivated soil, so a band about 18 to 24 inches wide all around the house, kept free of grass, will help deter potential invaders. Also, clover mites are so small that applying talcum powder, diatomaceous earth, corn starch or baking soda around entry points can stop clover mites by creating a barrier. Even double sticky tape placed on windowsills will catch the small mites when they try to pass. Replace the tape when it fills. Do not crush clover mites as they will leave a rusty stain.
Homeowners can also keep mites from entering the home by spraying the outside walls and border areas of the lawn and cultivated soil with effective miticides next to the foundation. Try to treat when daytime temperatures will be at least 60 degrees F because the effectiveness of miticides is greatly reduced by cooler temperatures. Spray outside walls and foundations with lambda cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide, Scimitar) or bifenthrin (Hi Yield Bug Blaster Bifenthrin, Hi Yield Bug Blaster II, Talstar). The house should be sprayed from the lower windowsill down to the ground. Pay particular attention to cracks and crevices in clapboards, shingles, foundation and around basement windows. Be sure to spray up and into the area between the bottom of the house siding and the foundation. (Ward Upham) Photo courtesy of Rayanne Lehman, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.
Clover mites do not bite people (they are plant feeders) or directly damage home furnishings but can leave unsightly stains on curtains, walls, carpets and other structures if they are crushed.
Mites can be removed from inside the home with a vacuum cleaner. Bags should be removed
and sealed after use to prevent mites from escaping.
It can also be helpful to try to prevent clover mites from entering the home through the use of physical barriers and miticides. Mites do not readily cross loose, clean, cultivated soil, so a band about 18 to 24 inches wide all around the house, kept free of grass, will help deter potential invaders. Also, clover mites are so small that applying talcum powder, diatomaceous earth, corn starch or baking soda around entry points can stop clover mites by creating a barrier. Even double sticky tape placed on windowsills will catch the small mites when they try to pass. Replace the tape when it fills. Do not crush clover mites as they will leave a rusty stain.
Homeowners can also keep mites from entering the home by spraying the outside walls and border areas of the lawn and cultivated soil with effective miticides next to the foundation. Try to treat when daytime temperatures will be at least 60 degrees F because the effectiveness of miticides is greatly reduced by cooler temperatures. Spray outside walls and foundations with lambda cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide, Scimitar) or bifenthrin (Hi Yield Bug Blaster Bifenthrin, Hi Yield Bug Blaster II, Talstar). The house should be sprayed from the lower windowsill down to the ground. Pay particular attention to cracks and crevices in clapboards, shingles, foundation and around basement windows. Be sure to spray up and into the area between the bottom of the house siding and the foundation. (Ward Upham) Photo courtesy of Rayanne Lehman, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.
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