What Are Those Tiny Red Spiders?

Tiny Red Bugs on Plants and Homes

They attack by the thousands and when they invade your home, panic sets in. Panic turns to absolute fear when you crush one and a red stain is left on the wall. There is no doubt in your mind that these invaders have been feeding on your family. But, have they? No, they are not ticks or the dreaded bed bug. So what are they? Do they bite? Our pest control experts have the answers.

Identifying Clover Mites

This red mass is none other than the “Clover Mite“. They are about 1/64” long and brown to olive-green in color. The younger stages are bright red, hence the little red spiders, and their eggs are red, smooth and round. Their body shape is similar to that of ticks; however their very long front legs are the key to identifying this pest. The females are parthenogenetic; laying eggs without fertilization by a male. They lay about 70 eggs during the fall in protected areas along the foundation of your home and under the bark of trees. The eggs will hatch when the temperature is around 40 to 70 degrees fahrenheit.

Clover mites are plant feeders, they will not feed on you. They enjoy lush, well-fertilized lawns and shrubbery. Clover mites move indoors in the autumn when vegetation starts to die. As spring begins, they migrate outdoors as a result of recent mulching and the start of warmer temperatures. Though clover mites are harmless, they are a real nuisance once inside your home. Whatever you do, don’t crush them. Doing so would result in red stains on your walls, floors and furniture.

How to Get Rid of Clover Mites

But, what can you do to minimize their invasion? As part of an effective pest control program to manage clover mites, you will need to create a plant-free band of pea gravel or coarse sand (18 to 24 inches wide) around the exterior of your home. Establish a protective barrier around your home by applying appropriately labeled product along the perimeter of the foundation up to two feet high, or where the siding begins. Be sure to treat all accessible cracks and potential entry points. The best results occur when treatment is performed in early May and late August.

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