Dispose of vacuum cleaner bags to prevent reinfestations by escaping mites. However, beware that crushed clover mites and some sprays can stain certain household surfaces. If left alone, spring clover mite problems will end on their own by the end of May. Clover mite populations in lawns can be greatly reduced by providing some supplemental watering to areas where clover mites develop, such as warm and dry areas around sun-exposed foundations and near evergreens. Spot-spray treatments may be required on turfgrass in the spring to prevent injury to turfgrass. Apply insecticides when clover mites are detected by carefully examining the grass.
Limit treatments to the sunny areas next to homes or woody plants where injury is concentrated.
It is a serious pest of corn and also damages drought-stressed turf. It causes grass to turn a bleached straw color, often killing it rapidly. Banks grass mite differs considerably in appearance from the other turf-damaging mites. It is smaller and lighter in color. During periods when the mites run out of food or environmental conditions are unfavorable, they may temporarily turn bright red.