Some insects prefer winter's cooler temperatures.
One such species in the spider mite family, the clover mite, chooses to move around even if temperatures tell us winter is still here. These small, red-green mites will come into homes from surrounding lawns and other areas of vegetation. According to Jim Allison, Potter County agent with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, the clover mite's behavior is unlike most other species of spider mites that damage plants in the summer. They have eight legs with front legs twice as long as the others. Infestations usually are confined to the sun-exposed south or west sides of buildings, and are most severe during late winter and early spring, Patrick said.