They are most abundant in the spring but can also be found during other months of the year. Clover mites are readily distinguished from other mites commonly found around homes by their long front legs. They do not bite humans or pets nor cause any damage but are extremely annoying, both by their presence and the red stain that they leave when crushed. The small, bright red eggs lie dormant through the summer in cracks and crevices of buildings and on the bark and twigs of trees. When the temperature falls below 85 degrees F in late summer and early fall, the eggs begin to hatch, starting the numerous broods that occur each season.
Mites hatching from the eggs soon begin to wander about, feeding and laying eggs.
It is at this time that the mites invade homes and this continues until reduced by cold weather. On warm sunny days during the winter, feeding and hatching may resume, especially on the southeast, south and southwest exposures of dwellings and trees. During high summertime temperatures, the mites die and the eggs they have laid remain dormant until cooler, late summer and fall temperatures arrive. Clover mites feed by sucking juice from plants. They attack and breed on a number of grasses, plus many cultivated plants and weeds growing around homes.