What Are Those Tiny Red Bugs and How Do I Get Rid of Them?

They're tiny, red, and everywhere! What are these microscopic invaders that seem to be just about anywhere you look? Clover mites usually make their appearance in the late spring and early summer. While they don't pose a threat to humans, they certainly can be a nuisance. Check out these answers to common clover mite questions—including how to get rid of them.

What do clover mites look like?

If you've ever noticed a tiny red dot on your concrete patio, siding panel, or shrubbery, only to discover that the tiny red dot was moving, you've probably seen a clover mite. These teensy little guys are only about 1/30th of an inch long—usually smaller than a pinhead. Clover mites have eight legs and belong to the arachnid family, but they're significantly smaller than any spiders you might find around your home. If you can get close enough to look, you'll see that clover mites are round and have a distinct reddish-brown color.

Why are there clover mites everywhere?

Clover mites feed on vegetation, which is why they're so prevalent in the spring and summer. Fresh grass, spouting shrubs, and blooming bushes are an all-you-can-eat buffet for clover mites, but their consumption is minimal in comparison to other lawn and garden pests. If you have flourishing greenery near your home, you may begin to notice clover mites on its exterior or even on the interior window sills.

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Are clover mites harmful?

Clover mites do not bite or sting and cannot pass diseases, so they pose no threat to humans. At most, they become a nuisance and may cause staining to curtains, wall paint, or furniture. Given their inconsequential size, clover mites don't usually cause any problems in your regular routine.

How can I get rid of clover mites?

The easiest and most effective way to eliminate clover mites from your property is through the specialized attention of a pest control professional. Exterior treatment and perimeter sprays can help to create a barrier between your home and a number of invasive pests. Preventive care throughout the year can ensure that your home remains free of clover mites and any other unwanted house guests.

Can you prevent a clover mite infestation?

To reduce the number of clover mites that make it into your home, be sure to start your landscaping several inches away from the exterior of your house. Don't allow any greenery to touch the siding, and be sure to seal any holes or cracks that may serve as entry points for clover mites and other pests. If you like to have your windows open, make sure that screens are tight fitting and free of holes, tears, or rips.

If you need reliable pest control in the Des Moines area, contact the experts at Springer. Our team of professionals can help you determine a regimen to keep your home free from clover mites and other pests. With the help of Springer, your property will remain pest-free year round. Set up your free inspection now!

What Are Those Tiny Red Bugs and How Do I Get Rid of Them? in Des Moines

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