Clover mites are little red insects that, per their namesake, feed on clover. They cause no harm to people, as they don’t bite or spread disease, and they usually don’t go into people’s homes. However, when they do infest homes, they can be quite a nuisance. Here’s how to get rid of clover mites if you do find them in your home:
Understanding Clover Mites
Spotting clover mites seems like it would be nearly possible because these little red insects are less than 1 mm in size. However, they gather in groups of thousands. If you find a bunch of tiny red dots on your window sills or around your sliding glass doors, you’re probably looking at clover mites.
Signs of Clover Mite Infestation
Given their tiny size and the lack of destruction they cause to your home, the only way to find clover mites is to physically see them. They appear as tiny, moving spots on walls, drapes and window shades. Clover mites tend to gather on the sunny side of homes, slipping in through windows and cracks in the wall.
Prevention and Control Methods
You may be tempted to squash clover mites when you find them in your home, but this is the last thing you should do. Clover mites, when squished, leave unsightly, difficult to remove red marks behind. The best way to remove clover mites is by using a wet sponge or a vacuum attachment. When doing this, be very careful not to crush them.
To prevent having clover mites enter your home in the first place, start by maintaining your lawn. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract these insects. Remove grass and weeds from the foundation of your home, leaving a strip of dirt that’s at least two feet wide around the perimeter. Laying down pea gravel can discourage these insects from moving toward your home. Next, seal gaps and cracks on the exterior of your home, including the foundation, windows and doors. Inside of your home, vacuum regularly to remove anything that would attract clover mites.
Getting rid of clover mites may not seem necessary, since they don’t do much harm. However, female clover mites reproduce quickly and don’t even need mates to make babies. If you’re done dealing with clover mites, the Des Moines pest control experts at Pro-Staff can help. Call us at 515-279-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.