Are Clover Mites Harmful?

05/10/2016

Clover Mites    Home Pest Control   

Are you seeing tiny red bugs in your home? You may be tempted to think that they are insects like ants or flies, but they are actually part of the arachnid family and have a lot in common with scorpions, spiders, and ticks. Scorpions? Spiders? Ticks? So, are these things dangerous? No. Not really. Those little red bugs are harmless to humans and animals as far as health is concerned. They do not bite. They do not sting. And they do not transmit diseases like rodents, cockroaches, and other household pests. They are, however, harmful in other ways - like when they invade porches or homes in great numbers.

How fast do clover mites multiply?

One little clover mite in your home would not be a problem. The problem comes when these tiny red bugs begin to multiply. Female clover mites reproduce by parthenogenesis. That means they are able to have babies without the help of a male clover mite. Pretty cool huh? Well, maybe for a clover mite, but for us humans who would rather not be taken over by tiny bugs that leave a red stain when squished, it's not so cool at all. Once a female gets started, she is able to reproduce quickly. One female is able to lay up to 70 eggs at a time, and these mites become mature in 30 days or less. This could lead to a large infestation in a relatively short period of time.

Are clover mites harmful to other things? Consider the following facts and decide for yourself:

• Clover mites suck the sap from plants. While they feed on many plants, they prefer grass which can mean trouble for your lawn.

• When these little red bugs are crushed, they will leave red stains on floors, walls, drapes, clothing, or any other place they happen to be.

• Clover mites tend to gather in large numbers on the sunny side of a structure.

• Clover mites are so tiny that they are notoriously difficult to seal out of your home.

• They can get into wall voids and other areas where they are hard to reach

• Do-it-yourself clover mite control often leads to continued frustration and, subsequently, damaged belongings.

 How can you keep a clover mite infestation from happening?

• Keep the outside of your home free of grass and weeds against your foundation and walls.

• Lay down a strip of pea gravel around your foundation.

• Inspect all your walls for gaps and cracks and fill them in using a caulking gun.

• Use weather stripping around windows, doors.

• Get help from a professional pest control company.

With American Pest, not only will your home be free of these tiny red bugs, but it will also be free of all the other common household pests that plague homes and families. Life is just better in a pest-free home. Give us a call and we will be there to help today.

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