Tiny red dots, big red stains
Clover mites are harmless to people, but they pile onto sunny windows and leave red smears, so a little prevention goes a long way.
Tiny and red.
Smaller than a pinhead, bright red, with long front legs that look like antennae.
Don’t smear.
Crushing them leaves a red stain on sills, curtains and walls, so vacuum instead.
Grass gap.
A strip of bare soil or gravel next to the foundation helps keep them away from the walls.
Clover mites are the tiny red dots you see crawling on sunny windowsills, siding and walls. They feed on grass, clover and other plants, then wander into homes in large numbers in spring and fall. They don’t bite people or pets, but crushing them leaves a red stain.
If you already have one of our home pest control plans, let your tech know where you see them. Coverage for clover mites depends on the situation, so call 913-735-5451 and we’ll tell you what fits your home. Here’s how to spot them and keep them out.
How do you identify clover mites?
Clover mites are smaller than a pinhead and bright red to reddish brown. Their front legs are extra long and often get mistaken for antennae.
They move slowly and show up by the dozens or hundreds. You’ll find them on the sunny south and west sides of the house first.
Why are clover mites on my windowsill?
Clover mites end up on windowsills because they climb sunny walls and slip through tiny gaps around windows. Lush lawns and heavily fertilized grass right up to the foundation give them a big food supply.
They’re most active in cool spring and fall weather. On warm days they crawl toward light, which is why sills fill up. Our post on spring pests in Kansas City covers what else wakes up when the weather turns.
Why shouldn’t you squish clover mites?
Squishing clover mites leaves a bright red smear that can stain curtains, carpet, paint and window trim. The red is their body color, not blood.
Vacuum them with a narrow attachment instead and empty it outside. A damp cloth also works if you wipe gently and rinse often.
How do you keep clover mites out?
Create a plant-free strip along the foundation and seal gaps around windows. Those two steps stop most clover mites before they reach the walls.
- Leave a band of gravel or bare soil next to the foundation. About 18 to 24 inches wide is a common guideline.
- Caulk gaps around window frames and siding.
- Repair torn window screens.
- Avoid heavy fertilizing of grass right next to the house.
Our guide to landscaping for pest prevention shows how to set up that buffer. Our pest proof your home checklist covers more sealing tips.
Clover mites aren’t the only ones on the windowsill. Read about Asian lady beetles and other occasional invaders.
Seeing red dots pile up on your windows again? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, clover mites don’t bite people or pets and don’t spread disease. They’re a nuisance mainly because of their numbers and the red stains they leave.
Clover mites are most active in cool spring and fall weather. They often pile onto sunny windowsills on mild days and fade once it gets hot.
The red stain comes from the mite’s own body color when it gets crushed. It can mark curtains, carpet, paint and trim, so vacuum them instead.
Clover mites usually die off indoors within days because they can’t feed inside. More can keep coming in until gaps are sealed and the grass strip is cleared.
No, clover mites are not chiggers. Chiggers bite and live in tall grass, while clover mites feed only on plants and never bite people.
