If you have noticed tiny red bugs in your house and have not been formally introduced, those small red bugs that you’re finding in or around your home are most likely clover mites. Clover mites are actually arachnids, closely related to ticks and spiders. As a mite, you may expect that these little creatures will climb on you and chew your skin, but that is not the case.
What Are Clover Mites?
While they share a lot of commonalities with other mites, eating proteins isn’t one of them. Don’t let the red stains they leave when crushed scare you. That isn’t blood. It is a pigment from their bodies. Clover mites eat grasses, clover, and other plants—not blood.
How To Identify Clover Mites
Clover mites are extremely small and difficult to see with the naked eye, often requiring a magnifying glass to get a good look at them. They are bright red in color and may appear as tiny moving dots on windowsills, walls, or near house plants. When crushed, they leave behind their characteristic red pigment, which can help you confirm their presence. Due to their small size, it’s possible you may not even recognize them in your house until you start noticing red stains on surfaces.
Red Clover Mite (tiny red bug) crawling over brown foliage
Do Clover Mites Bite or Spread Disease?
They don’t bite humans or pets. That is definitely good. But just because they don’t bite doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous, right? After all, cockroaches don’t bite, but they can cause significant health issues when they enter homes and businesses.
Well, you can rest easy. Clover mites are not known to spread or carry infectious diseases. They are also not a pests known for carrying harmful bacteria from your trash cans to your stored foods or food prep surfaces.
Are Clover Mites Harmful to Your Belongings?
So, they don’t bite and they don’t pose a health risk, but are they dangerous to your property?
Given the diet of clover mites, we know that they aren’t here searching for a blood meal. The only things that are in danger when clover mites are around are your belongings. Since clover mites are so small, it’s possible you may not even recognize them in your house until they spread.
What you’re more apt to notice are the red stains they leave behind. Being as small as they are, they can be squashed easily, leaving behind their bright red pigment. Your curtains, floors, rugs, furniture, walls, and other personal belongings can be subject to these stains that are nearly impossible to get out. You may wonder why there are suddenly small red stains everywhere. Even their eggs are bright red!
Why Are Clover Mites Invading Your Home?
Unfortunately, clover mites are well-known for congregating in large numbers, especially in sunny locations. There could be a population of thousands huddled up along your siding or your porch. If there is one thing clover mites are really good at, it’s sneaking through small cracks and crevices. As they congregate around your home, they will enter through these small openings.
Their size means you may need a magnifying glass to find the crack. This makes them extremely hard to keep out of homes. A large population of these pests can mean they are hard to control on your own.
How to Keep Clover Mites Out
If you value the items in your home, you’re going to want to keep these tiny red bugs out. Getting rid of a clover mite infestation and keeping them out of a home can be extremely difficult. Here are a few reasons why it’s challenging and what you can try:
- Clover mites are small and hard to seal out.
- They can get into wall voids and other places that are hard to get at and treat.
- Mites are hard to control with any of the chemicals that are safe to use in a house.
- DIY control of clover mites often leads to continued frustration and damaged belongings.
Prevention Tips:
- Leave a grass-free strip of more than a foot around the edge of your foundation to reduce the vegetation they feed on.
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and siding.
- Regularly vacuum entry points where you’ve seen them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do these little red bugs bite humans or pets?
A: No. Clover mites do not bite or feed on blood.
Q: Are clover mites dangerous to my family’s health?
A: They are not known to spread diseases or carry harmful bacteria indoors.
Q: How can I prevent future infestations?
A: Sealing entry points, maintaining a vegetation-free zone around your foundation, and seeking professional help when necessary can all reduce the likelihood of infestations.
Q: Where do clover mites typically come from before entering my home?
A: Clover mites thrive outdoors in well-fertilized lawns, gardens, and areas with abundant vegetation. They often move indoors when outdoor conditions change, such as sudden shifts in temperature or when food sources become limited.
Q: Are clover mites more common during certain seasons?
A: Clover mite activity often increases in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. During these times, they may migrate from outdoor vegetation toward the warmth and shelter of your home.
Q: Can clover mites get into bedding or clothing?
A: While it’s possible for clover mites to end up on various surfaces in your home, they don’t seek out bedding or clothing. If they do appear in these areas, it’s usually by chance rather than an attempt to nest or feed there.
Q: How can I remove the red stains left by clover mites?
A: Unfortunately, the red pigment can be difficult to remove. Start by gently blotting the area with a damp cloth—avoid rubbing, as it can spread the stain. For fabrics, check care instructions and consider professional cleaning if stains persist. Prevention is key: try to vacuum or capture clover mites before they’re crushed.
Q: Can clover mites damage my plants or garden?
A: While clover mites primarily feed on grasses and certain plants, they generally do not cause significant damage to mature, healthy landscapes. Most homeowners notice them more as a nuisance when they move indoors. If you have concerns about their impact on your garden, consult a pest professional for specific treatment options.
Updated: December 2024