Clover Mites and Clover Mite Control

IDENTIFYING THE CLOVER MITE:

The full-grown clover mite is slightly smaller than a pin head and has a bright reddish to reddish-brown body.

Clover mites appear as dark red specks crawling around sidings, doors, windows, drapes, curtains and furniture.

When accidently crushed, clover mites will appear red and will cause a stain. This is not blood but their coloration.

The front legs are as long as the body, and extend forward.

CLOVER MITES BIOLOGY AND HABITS:

Clover mites are not insects but they are a relative of spiders and ticks, an arachnid.

Clover mites occur in large numbers.

Clover mites do not damage buildings and furnishings, nor do they injure humans and pets.

They attack a number of grasses and plants found in the yards.

Clover mites are plant feeders that have been found infesting more than 200 different plants, sucking the sap.

They can leave off algae and mold.

Clover mites live close or on the their food sources.

They become a real nuisance upon migration inside.

Heavy migrations of clover mites into houses are also common in the early summer and fall.

Clover mites build up very large populations around structures surrounded with lush, well-fertilized lawns and shrubbery.

They often move into buildings in massive numbers in the autumn when vegetation begins to die.

In the spring, large numbers indoor migration is usually is the result of recent mulching and the beginning of higher temperatures.

Large populations of clover mites may occur on the flat roofs of commercial buildings and are associated with moss growth.

Clover mites females lay about 70 eggs each, singly or in masses, lay eggs in cracks in concrete foundations, cracks and crevices of buildings, under sidings, and on the underside of bark at the base of the trees.

Clover mites eggs do not hatch below 40°F or above 86°F.

They lay their eggs during the spring.

After eggs hatch, the newly emerged immature clover mites move to find hosts, molt, and pass through two nymphal stages.

Approximately 30 days are required to complete a generation outdoors.

One generation is completed during the spring or early summer months and another in the early fall (September/October).

Clover mites in the egg stage may either hibernate (overwinter) or become dormant during the summer under tree bark, in cracks of fence posts and foundation walls, under sheathing of buildings or in other dry protected sites, during adverse weather conditions.

Clover mites are most troublesome in early spring and again in fall, especially on the east and south sides of buildings.

They can be found randomly through the house, but very frequently on the south side of the house because of the warmth.

PA. Dept of Agriculture :Clover Mites
Credit to :Pa. Dept of Agriculture

Barb Ogg, UNL Extension in Lancaster County

CLOVER MITES CONTROL MEASURES:

• Clover mites mechanical treatments:

  The most effective prevention is removing grass and weeds for 18 to 24 inches around the foundation of the house.

  Placing a plant-free band of gravel, coarse sand, marbles, lava rock, or wood chips around the foundation will help keep them away from the structure.

  Clover mites generally have difficulty crossing such barriers.

  Avoid excessive watering or fertilizaton so that lush growth of host plants close to the house is not encouraged.

• Clover mites chemical treatments:

  If the mites have invaded the home causing a more serious infestation, chemical controls, such as :  TALSTAR or BIFEN IT

  can be applied to lower foundational exterior walls up to the first floor windows, and a 10- to 20-foot-wide strip of nearby lawn where the mites are found during their invasion period.
  Very thorough treatment is required for consistent results. Sprays are usually applied at the rate of 15-20 gallons fo finished spray per 1,000 square feet.

  Using GILMOUR HOSE END SPRAYERS, will certainly make the job easier.

  Spray the walls and foundation to the point of runoff and the vegetation until it is entirely wet.

  For the indoors, use a vacuum cleaner to pick up the live mites without crushing them so that they don't stain. Dispose of the sweeper bag.