There's nothing like springtime in the Carolinas. Flowers bloom in every imaginable color, the trees unfurl in vibrant greens, and the temperature is perfect all day and long into the evening. But spring also brings an unwanted house guest – the clover mite. These tiny red oval-shaped beauties belong to the arachnid family. While some species of mites are blood-drinking menaces that think you, your family, and the dog look like a tasty dinner, clover mites are content to wreak havoc on your plants.

Hiding In The Grass

Clover mites thrive in temperate weather, which means come spring and fall, they're out in full force. Strawberries, grasses, weeds, shrubs, many flower species, and you guessed it, clover, are favorite food sources for the clover mite. There are over 200 plant species the clover mite will tuck into without a second thought, turning your beautiful, lush green grass brown. They flourish in well-fertilized lawns and are found all over the world. And the Carolina's are no exception.

Because they're no bigger than a pinhead, it's easy for them to find their way into the most minuscule of cracks in your home. Before you know it, the tiny red horde has invaded your home, feasting on your houseplants and leaving unsightly red stains wherever they've been squashed. Autumn is their preferred time of year to set up house in your house as the plants they nosh on begin to die. 

Bad home infestations can see dozens if not hundreds creeping across surfaces. The silver lining is they don't damage furniture or cause structural damage. However, the entirely female population of mites will lay their eggs inside nooks and crannies around your home and inside the walls. Each female lays an average of 70 fertile eggs that will hatch once the temperature is just right. 

While they die off within a few weeks, the mites will have done their damage and laid their eggs which will spawn a new wave the following autumn or spring. 

What To Do If You Have A Clover Mite Infestation 

To help prevent clover mites from settling in your home in the first place, avoid having heavy plant growth close to your building. Keep weeds and fallen leaves away from the walls and consider adding some gravel or pavement between your front door and the lawn. Seal any obvious cracks in the walls and make sure there aren't any small spaces for them to squeeze through around windows and doors. If clover mites are a recurring problem in your home, consider dialing back on how much fertilizer you use in the garden. Remember, heavily fertilized lawns attract clover mites.

If the mites are already skittering across your windowsills, carpets, and immaculate walls, it's time to call in a seasoned pro. Because of their sheer numbers, clover mites are notoriously difficult to eradicate on your own. Our pest control team has the experience and expertise to safely remove clover mites from your home.