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Clover Mites (Bryobia praetiosa) belong to the Tetranychidae family which includes pest species such as Spider Mite, Broad Mite, & Poultry Red Mite. Clover Mites, commonly referred to as Blood Spiders, measure approximately 0.75mm are oval shaped and reddish in colour.
Clover Mites are generally located outdoors but venture into homes as temperatures cool in the autumn as they seek overwintering spots. Clover Mites may be identified on window sills, kitchen or bathroom surfaces as they emerge from cracks and vents in houses.
Clover Mites get their name due to a preference for feeding on clover, yet also feed on other grasses, shrubs, ornamental plants, and trees. Clover Mites damage plants by sucking sap from leaves. If plants are left untreated, leaves will turn yellow and drop off.To identify Clover Mite damage on plants look for white or silky spots on plant leaves, as well as silk webbing on the underside of leaves.
Clover Mites cannot damage foodstuffs, or textiles, in the way that Pantry Moths or Clothes Moths can, but are considered a pest due to the large numbers that can accumulate on walls, furniture and window sills and the risk they pose to staining surfaces when squished.
Research has shown that natural biological control of Clover Mites can be achieved with the use of Lacewing Larvae predators. Simply pour the Lacewing larvae onto infested plants, or gently brush them onto plants with a paintbrush. Lacewing larvae can also be hung from plants in our Distribution Boxes. Try to ensure the Lacewings are applied directly into infestation hotspots.
Plant Soap can also be sprayed to infested plants to clean and clear Clover Mites via physical action.To prevent Clover Mites from infesting household areas, cut back vegetation that links to access areas such as bricks and windows.
