ClovermitesAgricultural publication G07358 — Revised August 15, 2000Richard M.
Houseman The clover mite, Bryobia praetiosa Koch, is a tiny relative of spiders and ticks. Thousands of them can appear during spring or fall, and they are often found crawling around windows or other areas of the home. Clover mites are distinguished from other species of household-invading mites by their reddish-green color and characteristically long front legs (Figure 1). 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. Clover mites can invade a house in extremely large numbers through cracks and tiny openings around windows and doors. One author noted the presence of approximately 250,000 clover mites on the floor of a single bedroom. A heavy growth of well-fertilized grass growing against the foundation of a home is often the source of an infestation. Clover mites do not bite people or pets and cannot cause damage to human structures but they can leave unsightly stains on light-colored walls, carpet, fabrics, or papers when crushed. Clover mites are plant feeders, and obtain nutrients by sucking plant juices. They usually prefer clovers and lawn grasses but will also feed on certain ornamental shrubs and trees. The abundance of soil nutrients appears to be linked to clover mite populations. Greater populations of clover mites are often associated with newly established lawns or old lawns that have been heavily fertilized. Life historyFemale clover mites lay bright red eggs in protected areas such as cracks and crevices where they stay relatively dry. Females can produce viable eggs without fertilization (parthenogenesis); males are unknown. The eggs hatch during spring and fall when temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting offspring are genetically identical to the mother. After hatching, immature clover mites begin to feed on plant juices. There are four stages of development-larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult. Only the adults lay eggs. There are usually five or six generations per year. Clover mites are generally active during spring and fall, when temperatures are favorable. They are usually inactive during summer and winter. In the spring, feeding and egg laying increases until summer temperatures reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Adults and eggs remain dormant during summer when temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooler temperatures return in the fall, the eggs will hatch and feeding and egg laying activities continue until winter. Adult mites and eggs overwinter in protected areas. Clover mites generally remain inactive throughout the winter but can become active during brief periods of warm weather during late winter and early spring. Physical controlPrevention is the most important step in controlling populations of clover mites. Creating a zone free of grass and weeds around the foundation of the home is very important. Clear a strip about 18 to 24 inches wide, especially on the south, southwest, and east sides of the building. These areas can be covered with flowerbeds, pea gravel (mites have difficulty in crawling across it), or left barren. Flowerbeds planted with zinnia, marigold, salvia, rose, chrysanthemum and petunia, or shrubs such as barberry, juniper, spruce, arborvitae, and yew make better barriers because these plants are not attractive to clover mites. Exterior cracks around doors and windows or holes in the foundation should be caulked. In many instances, this will deter the migration of clover mites into the structure. If mites are still successful at entering the house, vacuuming will collect many of the mites around windowsills, walls and elsewhere without crushing them. Be sure to seal the vacuum bag before disposal. Chemical controlUnder conditions of heavy infestation, the use of insecticide or miticide spray will provide control when properly applied and maintained. However, chemical treatments provide only temporary relief if no physical control measures are practiced. Outside — Spray the foundation, exterior walls (up to the bottom of the first floor windows) and a strip 10 to 20 feet wide from the foundation out into the grass. Spray the foundation and walls to the point of runoff. Spray the vegetation until it is thoroughly wet, which usually requires 2 to 4 gallons per 1,000 square feet, depending upon the height and density of the vegetation. Repeat applications as needed. Use any of the pesticides listed in Table 1. Inside — To control clover mites that have entered the home, use a spray containing synergized pyrethrins. Direct contact is necessary. Repeated application might be required because these materials give no residual control. Note: Chemical Recommendations are from www.cooperseeds.com Use TalstarOne for Outside You can also use Generic brand Bifen and save money. It has the same ingredient as Talstar One. Use CB Borid Turbo Inside
Convenient Borid Aerosol Dust for treatment of voids, cracks, & crevices Clothing and bedding should not be sprayed and should be removed before treatment.
Use pesticides wisely and safely
Copyright 2000 University of Missouri. Published by University Extension, University of Missouri-Columbia. Please use our feedback form for questions or comments about this or any other publication contained on the Explore site. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Ronald J. Turner, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Missouri and Lincoln University, Columbia, Missouri 65211. • University Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs. If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need this publication in an alternative format, write ADA Officer, Extension and Agricultural Information, 1-98 Agriculture Building, Columbia, MO 65211, or call (573) 882-7216. Rea |
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