Clover mites occur as periodic pests of lawns and are a nuisance when they migrate into homes. Most spider mites overwinter as adults, hidden in bark cracks or under debris around gardens. As air temperatures warm in the spring, mites become active and begin to feed and mate. Adult females may lay dozens of eggs over a two week period. This takes a few days to several weeks depending on environmental conditions, the availability of food, and pressure from natural enemies.
Environmental conditions have an important influence on the development of spider mite populations.
Populations grow rapidly when weather is hot and humidity is low, and when plants are water-stressed from drought or improper irrigation. Problems with mite injury are most common on hot, dry, dusty sites. In addition, dusty conditions inhibit the effectiveness of natural enemies of spider mites, which are not as well adapted to these harsh circumstances. A wide variety of organisms feed on spider mites. Though small and inconspicuous, they are an important component of spider mite control.