These very tiny arachnids live and reproduce outdoors in the lawn, but they are only noticed when they migrate into dwellings by mistake. A mild fall last year, a mild winter, and an earl warm spring are all conspiring to bring on an abundance of clover mites, and clover mite complaints. They are rusty brown to dark red, soft, oval, and flattened from top to bottom. Clover mites are harmless. They are an annoyance and nuisance because of their presence and tremendous numbers.
Clover mites reproduce outdoors.
Every mite seen indoors has wandered in from outside. Clover mites are plant feeders only. They feed on sap from grasses and clover, and are especially numerous in lawns with a heavy growth of succulent, well-fertilized grass. They do not cause any apparent harm to turfgrass. The traditional control for clover mites is to apply an insecticide spray as a chemical barrier around the house.