Latin: Bryobia praetiosa
In the Bryobia family the clover mite is found, which is one of several reddish-brown species found in the Danish nature. The clover mite, like its relatives, lives by sucking nourishing juice from plants. However, not all species prefer the same host plants to suck on. If you encounter a species indoors, it will preferably suck on plants such as clover or grass.
Appearance
Although the clover mite is fully grown, it is still incredibly small. An adult mite measures no more than 0.7 millimeters in length and 0.5 millimeters in width. However, they are possible to spot with the naked eye. This is not least due to their color, which is red, but also because clover mites often appear together in larger quantities. The clover mite’s eggs, like the mite itself, are red.
As an adult, clover mites have four pairs of legs.
Biology and behavior
The clover mites spend their lives sucking nutrients out of green plants, changing skin, overwintering, and making migrations to lay eggs in suitable hiding places. It is different for the different species how they approach the task.
While species that live on woody plants may be content to make their migrations between leaves and bark, the species that feed on the nutrients in grasses and on herbs must leave these areas to find a good hiding place. For example, on stones, house walls, trees, or similar places.
The adult female wanders from hiding place to eating place throughout the spring season, where she alternately lays eggs and absorbs nutrition. The female manages the task of reproduction herself. In the species of clover mites there have not yet been discovered any males. The clover mite will normally overwinter as an egg, but this does not mean that not all stages of the clover mite can be found throughout the winter.
As described, the clover mite lays its eggs in protected areas in, for instance, bark or wall cracks. The mites begin to hatch in the spring when the temperature has been above 7 ° C for an extended period. But the mites no doubt prefer slightly higher temperatures. It is therefore not uncommon for a very large hatching to take place when temperatures rise in the first warm spring and summer months. However, egg development will come to a complete standstill if the temperature rises above 30 ° C. Such high temperatures will result in the eggs going to hibernation. And they will therefore not hatch until the following spring, when they have also undergone a prolonged cold period.
As soon as the eggs hatch, the young seek directly into the grass, where they can absorb nourishment. Once they have eaten well, it is time to change skin, which is why they return to their sheltered hiding places. This process is repeated three more times before the little mite pups are fully grown.
Damage
Clover mites can be an annoying nuisance when attacking garden plants in search of nourishment. They do not become less annoying if they choose to search inside and enjoy our houseplants or fruit bowls. You will most often experience the mites inside on west- and southwest-facing walls, where they may have penetrated through cracks in windows and walls. Large amounts of indoor mites are most common in the spring. The mites can be a big nuisance when they appear indoors, as they can, as mentioned, attack houseplants and fruit bowls. It can also put small red marks on light materials and white walls if you squeeze them.
Prevention and pest control
Since clover mites most often originate from the lawn, they will mostly appear inside homes, where the lawn goes all the way up to the house. Therefore, one can advantageously try to prevent their passage by creating a barrier between lawn and house. This is done by removing about half a meter of grass between the house and lawn and possibly creating a belt with stones or gravel between them.
If the damage has occurred and the brown mites are loose in the home, the best solution is to remove them with a vacuum cleaner. Avoid removing them with a cloth as it may cause red streaks on furniture. It may also be an option to treat an infested area with insect spray or insect powder.
In the case of particularly large attacks on outdoor areas, it can also be treated with an insecticide.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)