If you’ve ever noticed tiny red specks scurrying about your windowsills or walls, then you’ve probably had the displeasure of dealing with clover mites. Tiny as they are, these pests can be a nuisance, particularly when they take over your house by the hundreds.
Many people are unsure of what clover mites are; however, it is important to know what they are and what steps you can take to prevent damage. In this article, we will touch upon all the points mentioned above. Including clover mites pest control and more.
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites are tiny plant-feeding arachnids, like spiders, ticks, and scorpions. They are about 1/64th inch long, have a tiny head, and have an oval-shaped body. They can vary in color from rusty brown to dark red. They usually live and reproduce outdoors but occasionally enter people’s houses. They are most active during the Spring and Fall months since they thrive in slightly cooler temperatures, and their eggs hatch during these seasons.
What Kind of Damage Can Clover Mites Cause?
Clover mites actually cause little damage themselves. They cannot sting or bite people, nor can they cause substantial damage to your property. When they become large in numbers, they can start to become a nuisance, so it can be helpful to find ways to get rid of them or reduce their numbers (Iowa State University).
How to Identify a Clover Mite Infestation?
There can be many signs of a clover mite infestation; one obvious way would be to see one in the house or around it. As said before, clover mites can range in color from rusty brown to dark red and are about 1/64th inch long. They can be found inside the house on windowsills, cracks, or crevices. If you also see reddish stains around the house, that could also be a sign as clover mites leave a reddish stain whenever they are crushed.
How to Prevent Clover Mites from Entering Your Home?
One effective way you can prevent clover mites from entering your home is by ensuring there is little to no grass or vegetation near the house’s perimeter. Clover mites live in grass and primarily feed off of the sap. It is recommended that the grass-free zone be 18 to 24 inches wide from all sides (University of Missouri).
Another helpful method would be to seal up entry points such as cracks or crevices. Clover mites sometimes enter people’s homes through openings at the house’s perimeter. Some areas that are common points of entry are windows, doors, or the foundation.
If you are unable to avoid having vegetation such as plants near your home’s foundation, bordering your home with dry, non-organic material could help separate them from the foundation. Using pea gravel to surround the perimeter of your home can help as it does not retain moisture like organic mulch (e.g., wood chips), making it less attractive to clover mites and other pests.
It is also important to seek a professional pest control service that specializes in clover mites and have them conduct regular inspections of the house. They are well-trained to identify any possible signs of an infestation, so having them check the house every once in a while is also another effective way to prevent a clover mite infestation.
How Do You Get Rid of Clover Mites?
There are natural and chemical methods you can use to get rid of clover mites.
One natural process is to vacuum your house regularly; vacuum any areas where you spot clover mites and do it regularly; always make sure never to squish them as they leave red stains, and always dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent them from being released back into the house.
Another way would be to use diatomaceous earth or essential oils and apply them around the perimeter of your home. Diatomaceous earth specifically can dehydrate clover mites by absorbing their waxy coating.
One method that involves using chemicals is applying insecticide around the perimeter of your house since insecticides can also kill clover mites. Disclaimer: Always read and follow label directions carefully!
When to Call Professional Pest Control
At any point, you can call a professional pest control service to help deal with a clover mite issue.
However, when clover mite infestation becomes large, which can cause them to be a serious nuisance to your property, that would be definitely the time to call a professional pest control service.
In addition, if you have tried all the methods, whether to prevent them from coming on or eliminate them, and the problem isn’t resolved – at that point, it would also be helpful to call a professional service since they may have the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out best practices to eliminate clover mites from your property.
You can also contact them if there seem to be many clover mites outside your house and you worry that they may find a way to enter your home.
To recap, clover mites cannot cause any sort of bodily harm or property damage. However, they can become a nuisance if they appear in larger numbers. Implementing preventative measures and measures that eliminate them if they have already entered your home are important.
The most effective measure you can take is to call a professional pest control service and have them eliminate the issue and/or prevent a future infestation from occurring. If you are looking for services that offer Clover Mites Extermination in Aurora, Naperville & surrounding areas in Northern Illinois, feel free to contact Yosemite Pest and Rodent Solutions, Inc at (630) 779-7674.
