Spring has again brought us clover mite season. Clover mites sometimes invade homes in enormous numbers in early spring and late autumn. They overrun floors, walls, drapes, window sills and furniture, even occasionally getting into beds and clothing. If crushed, they leave a reddish stain that is quite noticeable on linens, curtains, walls and woodwork. They are a nuisance, but they do not bite humans or animals, transmit disease or feed on household furnishings or pantry supplies.
Skin irritation is possible.
They live outdoors, where they feed on plants. They are eight-legged with the front pair of long legs that are sometimes mistaken for antennae or feelers. Young are smaller and bright red, as are the eggs. The mites sluggish, slow-moving mites usually invade the home where the sun is warmest at south, southwest and east side. Females lay about 70 eggs each, singly or in masses, in cracks and faults in concrete foundations, in mortar crevices, between the building walls, under loose bark of trees, and other protected places.