| Scientific name | Bryobia praetiosa |
|---|---|
| Group | Ticks, Mites & Other Arachnids |
| Size | 0.7–0.9 mm (up to about 0.04 in) |
| Colors | Red and Brown |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The clover mite is a tiny member of the ticks, mites & other arachnids group. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings. Check for these three features:
- Pinhead-size red to brown dots moving on walls
- Front legs much longer than the others
- Found on sunny, south-facing sides of buildings
About this bug
A tiny, red-brown mite that crawls by the thousands onto sunny walls and windowsills in spring and fall. Crushed mites leave red stains.
You'll usually find clover mites indoors and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Clover mites don't bite people or damage homes; they're a staining nuisance.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see clover mites
Clover Mites are most active in spring and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and lawn or grass.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The clover mite is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
What to do about it
- Create an 18-inch plant-free strip of gravel along the foundation
- Seal window frames and cracks on sunny walls
- Wipe or vacuum indoor mites instead of crushing them
Bugs that look similar
Legs: Clover Mites have 8 legs; chiggers have 6 legs.
Group: Clover Mite belongs to ticks, mites & other arachnids, while springtail belongs to centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings.
Frequently asked questions
What does a clover mite look like?
Pinhead-size red to brown dots moving on walls. Adults measure 0.7–0.9 mm (up to about 0.04 in).
Does the clover mite bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Clover mites don't bite people or damage homes; they're a staining nuisance.
Where do clover mites live?
Clover Mites live indoors and in lawns and grass.
When are clover mites most active?
Mostly in spring and fall.