Have you ever seen those tiny red creatures crawling along the walls of your house, near the windows? They are small, but they look a little creepy, don't they? They look like little spiders. We call these creatures Clover Mites. They don't do any harm to our health, but they can be a little annoying when they come home and to the plants in the garden. So today, let's talk about all about these Clover Mites.
Who are these Clover Mites really?
Simply put, Clover Mites `(Bryobia praetiosa)` are small mites that live on plants, meaning they suck the sap of plants. They are also somewhat related to spiders and ticks. These creatures are usually seen crawling along walls, doors, and windows during the spring and fall, when the sun is not as strong.
As for their appearance, they are a rather large species of mites. An adult is about 0.75-0.85 millimeters long. Their bodies are oval-shaped and can range in color from reddish-brown to dark green-brown. Like other spiders, they have eight legs. However, the front pair of legs is about twice as long as the other legs . That's why some people think that these are their two antennae.
What is their life cycle like?
What is very strange is that these Clover Mites do not have males. The females reproduce by laying eggs without fertilization. We also call this process `(Parthenogenesis)`.
The female lays her eggs in small cracks in the walls, in the foundations of houses, around window frames, and sometimes under the bark of trees. These eggs are dark red and round in shape. During the cold season, these eggs remain there, but when the temperature rises a little, that is, in the spring, the eggs hatch and the young hatch. Before becoming an adult, the animal goes through two stages: a larva and a nymph.
An adult animal usually lives for about two weeks. Each animal lays about 70 eggs. When the heat increases sharply, such as in summer, both the animals and the eggs become dormant, waiting for the cold weather to return.
What do they eat?
That's why they got their name. Clover mites prefer clover. They also suck the sap from regular grasses, some ornamental plants, and shrubs.
Why do these animals come to the house? How do you know they are there?
Clover mites don't cause much of a problem when they come indoors. The only way to know they're there is to see them with your own eyes.
But in the garden, you can see small silvery streaks on leaves and flowers where they have sucked the sap. If the population gets too large, grass and plants can start to die. Your lawn may turn brown in places, looking as if it has died after winter.
There are several main reasons to come inside the house:
- Weather: When the weather outside is too hot or cold, they come indoors in search of a cooler temperature.
- Egg laying: Since they lay their eggs in cracks in buildings, they can sometimes accidentally enter a home.
- Food shortage: They will move towards homes if their food source is lost or their habitat is lost.
- Plants near the house: If plants are planted against the walls of the house, they will easily find their way into the house.
Are these Clover Mites really harmful to our health?
This is the biggest question everyone has and what they need to know.
If you crush this animal, it will leave a red stain. Many people think that this is blood. That's why they are afraid that these animals suck blood. But that is a complete misconception. That red stain comes from a red pigment in the animal's body, not from blood.
The most important thing is that Clover Mites do not transmit any disease to humans, nor do they come to the body to suck blood. They are just herbivores.
To be honest, these are the most innocent of all the pests that come into the house.
- They don't bite.
- It won't harm your food or drink.
- They don't eat clothes, carpets, or curtains.
- It doesn't destroy things like walls and furniture in the house.
The only problem with them is the red stain they leave when crushed. If they get on white walls or fabrics, they can stain.
Another thing is, these animals cannot survive indoors for long. Due to the dry conditions inside the house, they cannot reproduce, and they simply die of dehydration within a few days.
How to control and prevent it at home?
Although these creatures are harmless, no one likes them roaming around the house. So, there are a few things we can do to control them.
To prevent coming home:
1. Seal cracks: Seal all small holes and cracks around doors, windows, and in the foundation of your home.
2. Create a no-weed zone: Leave a grass-free, no-weed zone around the house wall, about 18-24 inches wide, especially on the south, southwest, and east sides.
3. Spread gravel or mulch: Spread something like pea gravel or mulch over the bare area. These surfaces are difficult for them to walk on.
4. Use insecticide: If absolutely necessary, a mite insecticide suitable for outdoor use can be sprayed along the foundation of the house.
What do you do if you come inside the house?
- Vacuum: The best and safest way is to suck up these creatures with a vacuum cleaner. Then dispose of the vacuum bag away from the home.
- Insecticides: It is usually not necessary to use insecticides indoors. However, if the infestation is severe, choose an insecticide specifically formulated for indoor use and for mites . Spray lightly on walking animals.
Warning: If using insecticides, follow the instructions on the label exactly . Keep out of reach of small children. Dispose of bottles properly after use. In case of accidental contact with skin, eyes or ingestion, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . For further advice, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
To control pests in the garden
If your garden is suffering from damage, you can control the infestation by applying additional water. Also, growing plants that are not attractive to Clover Mites is a good solution.
| Plants that attract Clover Mites | Plants that do not attract Clover Mites (suitable for cultivation) |
|---|---|
| Clover grass, common grass, Daffodil, Dandelion, Strawberry | Geranium, Marigold, Petunia, Rose, Zinnia, Chrysanthemum |
| Ornamental flowers like Salvia, Primrose, Alyssum | Shrubs such as Juniper, Spruce, Yew, Arborvitae, Barberry |
If you are unable to control the infestation despite doing all of this, it is best to seek the help of a pest control specialist.
Take-Home Message
- Clover mites are harmless mites that suck the sap of plants and pose no threat to human health.
- The red stain that comes out when you crush these animals is not blood , it's a pigment in their bodies.
- They don't bite, spread diseases, or destroy household items.
- They can't survive indoors for long, they just die in a few days.
- The best ways to prevent them from coming into your home are to seal holes in walls and maintain a plant-free zone around your home.
- If they come home, the best solution is to remove them with a vacuum cleaner .
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