Clover Mite Control In Washington DC

Clover Mites in Washington DC

The clover mite is one of the larger plant feeding mites found in yards and landscapes in Washington DC. It often becomes a pest indoors after heavy rain, excessive heat or a change in the season, all of which can stimulate massive numbers of clover mites to enter buildings. The mites appear as moving dark spots to the naked eye, crawling around walls, windows and doors. Crushing the mites to kill them leaves a large reddish spot. Fortunately, the mites do not reproduce indoors and will typically die from dehydration within a few days of entering the home.

Although the mites typically invade homes during the spring, they may also appear during cooler periods of the year. Cool summers favor clover mite survival, while warm, dry summers cause periods of inactivity or aestivation. Please note that these large population outbreaks of mites can be confused with similar outbreaks of the predatory sidewalk mites that exhibit a lot of the same behavioral characteristics. They also resemble clover mites in body size and color. At least a 20x hand lens is required to determine the difference between a clover mite and a sidewalk mite.

Tiny Red Bugs

These tiny red bugs are found throughout the eastern United States. Clover mites are very common in late spring as the weather begins to warm up. They are tiny, but they sure do prove to be a nuisance for many homeowners in Washington DC and the surrounding areas. Clover mites are very small, which is why they are often referred to as tiny red bugs.  Adult clover mites are reddish to brown in color, and the immature mites and eggs are a bright red. Clover mites have eight legs, with two at the head that are often confused with antennae.

Little Red Bugs In Washington DC

Spotting little red bugs can be frightening at first, but homeowners can keep them out for good with the right preventative measures. Here’s more information on those little red bugs in the home.

While managing pests in any person’s home can be complex, the challenge proves even more complicated when that pest is unfamiliar. Clover mites, a.k.a. those little red bugs that are so hard to clear out of a house, continue to prove challenging for those seeking to keep their homes clear of pests.

While they don’t pose any danger or risks, they’re still pesky to have around and can be discouraging to see. However, there are strategies one can take to minimize infestations and keep clover mites out for good.

Small Red Bugs

You know them by their size (smaller than a pinhead) and their color (bright red). You see them every once in a while crawling across the back of your hand, or on the kitchen countertop. But what exactly are these small red bugs? They are likely clover mites. Learn more about these small bugs below:

• Clover mites are a small, plant-eating mite, about the size of a pinhead.
• These mites can sometimes make their way inside homes, which often happens in the spring. They can also enter homes in cooler months of the year.
• They don’t bite or harm humans. Instead, they prefer to eat grass and clover.
• They are eight-legged and oval shaped.
• Adults appear reddish brown or green in color.

Concrete Mites

Concrete mites, also called sidewalk mites, are another tiny, bright-red mite commonly seen in Washington DC and the surrounding areas. They are a complex of various species belonging to the genus Balaustium in the Erythraeidae mite family. They are called concrete mites because of the locations where they tend to aggregate. They are often seen in large numbers scurrying around on concrete pavements, patios, masonry foundations, outside walls of homes and buildings, stonework, and other outdoor objects such as trash bins and picnic tables for a brief period.

Concrete mites are elongated in shape. They have one or two pairs of eyes set well back on the body and a distinct gap between the second and third legs. Adults are 1 to 2 millimeters in length, larger than chigger mite adults. Concrete mites are often mistaken for clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) or chiggers. Clover mites, however, are reddish brown in color, and the two front legs are about two times the length of the other legs. Additionally, clover mites are found on clover or surrounding plants whereas concrete mites are often seen on the surface of concrete and masonry.

How To Get Rid Of Clover Mites In Washington DC

If you're wondering how to get rid of clover mites in Washington DC or the surrounding areas, then we recommend that you grab your vacuum cleaner and suck up all the mites you can find. You’ll want to immediately empty the contents of your vacuum when you’ve finished, so the clover mites don’t simply just climb back out and go back to their business. Using a vacuum will also help avoid staining inside your home.

If you only have a few clover mites to deal with, using sticky traps can be a cheap and easy way to catch them. Just place the traps near where you’ve seen the arachnids and wait. Traps do lose their effectiveness over time due to things like dust collection, so you may need to change your traps a few times to get all the mites.

If DIY clover mite solutions aren't doing enough to get rid of your clover mite infestation, or if you would prefer help from our team of professionals, look no further. Contact us today for a free quote; we're happy to help.