Ever see those tiny red bugs on the concrete as a kid that, when crushed, leave behind a red-streaked stain? While clover mites are not harmful to human health or the viability of a home, they are certainly a nuisance and can be difficult to eradicate once established in a house.
Clover mites are small, reddish-brown pests that flourish best in cool weather. As spring is on its way in South Central Pennsylvania, the moderate weather will be ideal for these tiny insects to multiply rapidly. As their name suggests, clover mites feed on clovers or other flowers during their peak bloom season. Here they can easily feed and reproduce in a reliable environment. As spring approaches, taking proper preventative measures and identifying such pests can save time and headaches!
How to identify clover mites:
These tiny pests are sometimes challenging to identify with the naked eye, but clover mites have long front legs that almost look like antennas. To most people, clover mites look like small moving dots, but if crushed, they leave an apparent red mark, so it’s best to use other methods to eradicate them.
Clover mite eradication:
We don’t advise crushing these tiny pests as they leave a red stain on walls, curtains, or carpets. However, because of their size, clover mites are easily vacuumed up if found inside the home. In addition, a microfiber cloth can capture most clover mites on a hard surface without crushing them.
If you see a few clover mites at the beginning of the season, there are some easy ways to get rid of them inside your home. Mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spraying on hard surfaces such as counters or walls will suffocate the mites and won’t cause any damage or disruption to the home.
Clover mite prevention:
Keeping vegetation around the home neat and trimmed is one of the best ways to keep clover mites from infesting near openings to the house. If possible, create a barrier of at least 18 inches between vegetation and any accesses to the home. Keep an eye out for any cracks or crevices outside where clover mites may be able to lay eggs.
If you don’t have the time to tend to the infestation or the number of clover mites keeps increasing, professional pest control is always a solution. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.
