Clover Mites (2011)

Abstract

The clover mite, Bryobia praetiosa Koch, is a tiny relative of spiders and ticks. Thousands of clover mites can appear during spring or fall, and they are often found crawling around windows or other areas of a house. Clover mites are distinguished from other species of household-invading mites by their reddish-green color and long front legs. The front legs are as long as the body and almost twice the length of the other legs. These distinguishing features can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass. Vast numbers of clover mites can invade a house through cracks and tiny openings around windows and doors. Clover mites do not bite people or pets and do not damage the house or furniture, but they can stain light-colored walls, carpet, fabrics or papers when crushed.