Clover mites are very tiny arachnids that live and reproduce outdoors, but are frequently encountered as a household pest in early summer and in the fall when they migrate into dwellings by mistake. They are only 1/64th inch long, soft, oval, and flattened from top to bottom. They vary in color from rusty brown to dark red. A distinguishing characteristic is the very long pair of front legs that extend forward like antennae as the mites crawl.

Clover mites are harmless. They cannot bite or sting; they do not infest stored foods; they cannot attack the house structure and furnishings. They are an annoyance and nuisance because of their presence and tremendous numbers. Clover mites reproduce outdoors. Every mite seen indoors has wandered in from outside.

Clover mites are plant feeders only. They feed on sap from grasses and clover, and are especially numerous in lawns with a heavy growth of succulent, well-fertilized grass. They do not cause any apparent harm to turfgrass.

Traditional control for clover mites is to apply an insecticide spray as a chemical barrier around the house. Clover mites already indoors can be removed from surfaces with a vacuum cleaner. Avoid wiping the clover mites as crushing them often creates an undesirable and durable brown stain.