Clover mites are tiny red insects that often show up in large numbers, usually around doors and windows. Their bright red color and tendency to appear in large clusters contribute to why they’re often mistaken for more harmful pests or misunderstood completely. Countless myths have popped up about what clover mites are and what they do. Separating fact from fiction is key to knowing how to deal with them. Read on to learn more about the common myths and misconceptions about clover mites.
Myth #1: Clover Mites are Harmful to Humans and Pets
One of the most common misconceptions about clover mites is that they’re harmful to humans and pets. Because they’re often mistaken for spiders and ticks, many people believe that they bite. The truth is that clover mites don’t bite, they don’t carry diseases and they’re not a threat to humans or pets. They’re simply a nuisance pest that is more of a hassle for homeowners than anything else.
Myth #2: Clover Mites are Baby Ticks
This myth is closely related to the first one because this is where the belief that they bite likely comes from. Many people mistakenly believe that clover mites are baby ticks. This is untrue. Clover mites are an entirely different species. While they’re closely related, similar in size and are both arachnids, clover mites aren’t parasitic like ticks. The easiest way to tell the difference is by their color. Clover mites are usually a brighter red, while ticks are a darker reddish-brown color.
Myth #3: Their Diet Consists Mainly of Indoor Plants
If you have a basic understanding of clover mites, then you know they feed on plants. The misconception, though, is that clover mites feed solely on indoor plants. While they can feed on indoor plants, especially during the fall and winter when they invade people’s homes to escape the cold, clover mites’ diets mainly consist of outdoor plants. They primarily feed on the sap of clovers, grass and ornamental trees and shrubs. They prefer warmth and humidity, and that’s why they’re often an issue outside rather than inside (depending on the weather).
Myth #4: When Crushed, They Leave Behind Blood Stains
While clover mites do leave behind red stains when they’re crushed, it’s not blood. It’s actually their body pigments. These tiny red stains are notoriously hard to get out, especially on lighter colored fabrics. That’s why vacuuming is the recommended method for removal, behind professional pest control.
Myth #5: Clover Mites Damage Your Home and Furniture
It’s a common misconception that clover mites, like termites, feed on wood and cause structural damage to your home or damage to wooden furniture items. This is not true. As stated previously, clover mites feed on plants. They don’t cause damage to your home’s structure or wooden furniture. However, the red stains they leave behind can damage upholstered furniture.
Myth #6: Clover Mites Contaminate Food
When people discover pests in their home, they’re often quick to jump to worst-case scenarios. Although clover mites may look menacing and can be very difficult to remove, they don’t carry diseases and, therefore, don’t contaminate food. If you spot clover mites in your home, don’t worry, you’re still safe to eat your food!
Myth #7: You Can’t Prevent Clover Mites From Entering Your Home
Because clover mites are so tiny, many people believe they can’t prevent them from entering their homes. This isn’t the case. The best ways to prevent clover mites from invading are to seal entry points and keep your lawn well-maintained. Since clover mites are attracted to clusters of vegetation, trimming back trees and shrubs away from your home can prevent them from having easy access. Of course, the best way to prevent a clover mite infestation is to invest in professional pest control!
Now that you know the most common myths about clover mites, you’re equipped to prevent them. And, if you do run into a clover mite problem, you can feel at ease, knowing that they’re just nuisance pests that cause no harm to your family, pets or home. Still, they’re not easy to deal with once an infestation has been established. That’s why the Omaha pest control experts at Pro-Staff are here to help! Put us on your home team by contacting us online for a free quote!
