After feeding, they appear greenish-brown. They are easily distinguished from other mites that may occur around structures by a pair of front legs that extend forward and are longer that the body and twice as long as any of the other legs. Clover mites feed upon over 200 species of trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and important agricultural crops. Clover is not essential. Clover mites breed and feed in grasses, clovers, and other plants around buildings and on lawns.
Infestations usually are heaviest at new home sites.
New lawns and heavily fertilized old lawns are favored by the mites. F. Late fall and early spring feeding takes place in sheltered areas near foundations or other protected spots warmed by the sun. As temperatures rise, mites may move to other areas but usually remain within a few feet of their hiding places and begin foraging. They may be attracted to warmer air coming from the cracks along baseboards, doors, or windows of the house and invade by the thousands. Crushed clover mites leave a red stain.