What Are Clover Mites & What Do They Look Like?
We talk a lot about pests that could be potentially harmful to you—after all, your family’s safety is our priority! Today, however, we’re going to be talking about a pest that’s more of a nuisance: clover mites.
These pesky little pests are almost impossible to see, can invade your home this time of year, and will try to set up camp for a long time! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about clover mites.
What Are Clover Mites?
One of the things that sets clover mites apart from most other pests is that they thrive in cooler weather. Alabama’s early spring weather is perfect for them, so keep an eye out during this time!
These little bugs are very tiny and can be hard to spot. They’re a reddish brown color and sometimes leave a red stain when squashed. Outside, they feast on a wide variety of plants—over 200 different species—but like to venture indoors when the weather heats up.
You’re also more likely to see clover mites inside your home after sudden changes in weather. If you live in the South, you know just how common sudden weather changes are!
Once inside, they’ll seek shelter in cracks and crevices all around your home. This is where they’ll lay their eggs, which will hatch the following spring—leaving you with a clover mite infestation!
How to Prevent Clover Mites
As with most pests, the best prevention is making it difficult for them to get inside your home. One of the best things you can do is to trim your plants and vegetation back as soon as you can. You don’t want any limbs or leaves too close to your house—this is essentially a bridge right onto your home! And once they’re around the outside of your home, pests have a much easier time finding a way inside.
Ideally, you’ll want to inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and other flaws every season. If you haven’t already, take a little time to walk around the perimeter of your house. Look for any spaces where pests might weasel their way in and fill them. Check your windows and doors as well, and replace any worn-out weather stripping.
Most pests, including clover mites, are drawn to moisture. Make sure there’s no standing water pooling around the foundation of your home, and make sure to address any areas of your home that may have a leak or may be trapping humidity. Bathrooms and basements are especially susceptible to moisture issues.
How to Get Rid of Clover Mites
If you find clover mites inside your home, it’s best not to squish them! As we mentioned above, squashed clover mites can leave a nasty red stain on carpets, curtains, etc. The best thing you can do to safely remove them from your home is to vacuum them up, making sure to take the trash out immediately after doing so.
While this can get rid of the adult clover mites, you’ll still have their eggs to worry about—which could be anywhere, and most likely in hard-to-reach places.
If you suspect the beginnings of a clover mite infestation, it’s best to call the professionals as soon as you can. Get in touch with Vulcan Termite & Pest Control today to get started!