Clover mites are tiny red bugs in New Jersey that usually feed on plants outside. However, since the end of World War II, these insects have become much more common as a home-invading pest and, sometimes, they will invade homes by the thousands.
An adult clover mite is one of the largest mites that can be found infesting plants. They are oval-shaped, have 8 legs, and are either a greenish or red coloration. Measuring in at around .75 mm, these bugs have a greatly elongated first pair of legs which are sometimes mistaken for antennae. They also have feather like plates, or scales, which are sparsely arranged on their abdomen. Clover mites will usually lay their eggs in sidewalk cracks, in cracks on building walls, or in other sheltered and dry places. A single female clover mite is able to lay up to 70 eggs, which will become mature in as little as 30 days. That means a clover mite population can grow quite quickly.
Problems cause by clover mites in New Jersey homes
Though these creatures do not bite humans and have not been known to spread disease or cause any kind of health issues, they can cause problems and can be an indication of larger issues that a home may have. When a clover mite is squished, they will leave a red stain on whatever surface they happen to be on. When clover mites invade, everything including clothing, couches, chairs, drapes, window sills, and more are all at risk of being stained by their red pigmentation.
Clover mites are tiny
This means they only need a tiny gap or crack to squeeze in through, and it can be hard to completely seal up a home against these critters.
Clover mites can hide anywhere
Clover mites sometimes hide in wall voids or other hidden areas where they can be difficult to treat. This makes it even more critical to have an educated pest control technician take care of this problem.
They are attracted to pools
Clover mites converge in, on, and around pool areas in large numbers.
They are difficult to control without professional help
These mites are difficult to control with chemicals that are safe to use inside a home. Once again, there is a benefit to having a professional get involved. Professionals use EPA-approved products and administer those products according to strict safety guidelines established by industry experts.
Clover mites can be an indication of more serious problems
If you have success dealing with your clover mite infestation, it is quite possible that you're going to come across vital information about possible water damage and other pest pressures. It is important to look closely and follow up on all that you see. Clover mites are not a serious issue, but there are many pests that are. And, when water damage goes uncorrected, it can lead to surprise expenses that no homeowner needs.
How can I prevent clover mites around my home?
- There are some conditions that invite clover mites in near a home. Your first goal should be to remove these. If your perimeter is free of weeds, tall grass, and other wild vegetation, it will be much less interesting and welcoming to these pests. Keep things neat. And make sure all of your plants are at least 2 feet from your foundation walls.
- Clover mites love mulch. If you can bear to part with it, some crushed rock or pea gravel would be more resistant to clover mites and other moisture pests--including termites.
- Do a close inspection of your foundation walls and exterior walls and fill in any gaps, holes, or cracks you find.
- Check all your weather stripping and see that it makes a good seal, especially on sliding glass doors.
Clover mites can cause some minor stains but are generally considered nuisance pests. But they may not be the only pests getting into your home. If you would like a comprehensive pest control service that goes far beyond those clover mites, give us a call. At Arrow Pest Control, we take care of over 30 household pests that destroy homes, damage belongings, spread illness, and make themselves a general nuisance in Morganville, Toms River, and throughout New Jersey. If you're ready to see what life is like when you are pest-free, we're standing by to serve you.
Home Protection Program
Service consists of the elimination of your current pest or rodent problem, complemented by both interior and exterior year-round protection of your home, which is inclusive of three seasonal visits. The program covers your entire property including attics, mailboxes, playsets, sheds, and fences.
Pests targeted with Arrow’s Home Protection Plan services include ants (excluding carpenter ants, pharaoh ants and acrobatic), bees, boxelder bugs, carpenter bees, carpet beetles, centipedes, cicada killers, clover mites, crickets, digger bees, earwigs, fabric & paper pests, fleas (inside only), ground beetles, hornets, mice, pillbugs, millipedes, rats, roaches, silverfish, sowbugs, spiders, springtails, stored product pests, and wasps.
*If you have a pool house that requires service, pricing would increase based upon the size of the structure.
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