If you’ve spotted tiny red bugs crawling across your windowsills, you’re not alone. These pests are called clover mites, and while they’re not harmful to people or pets, they can invade in large numbers and become a major nuisance—especially in the spring and fall.
At The Bug Man, we help homeowners across Des Moines and Central Iowa deal with unwanted pests like clover mites quickly and effectively. Here’s everything you need to know about these tiny invaders and how to keep them out for good.
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites are microscopic arachnids, closely related to spiders and ticks. They’re typically reddish-brown with eight legs—and the front pair is so long, it looks like antennae. At just 1/30 of an inch, they’re barely visible, but their numbers can be overwhelming.
You’ll usually find them:
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Crawling around sunny windowsills and walls
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Inside cracks near doors or foundations
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Near well-fertilized lawns or garden beds
They don’t bite or spread disease, but when crushed, they can leave behind red stains on walls, curtains, and furniture.
Why Are Clover Mites on My Windowsills?
Clover mites thrive in sunny areas and often invade homes in early spring or late fall when outdoor temperatures shift. They’re attracted to warmth and light, which is why you’ll often see them gathering on south- or west-facing windows.
They enter homes through:
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Tiny cracks in siding, window screens, or foundation gaps
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Openings around doors, plumbing, or utility lines
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Gaps near rooflines or attic vents
How to Get Rid of Clover Mites
Stopping a clover mite infestation requires both prevention and control. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Seal Entry Points
Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Make sure screens fit tightly and replace any that are damaged.
2. Create a Vegetation-Free Barrier
Trim grass and remove mulch, ivy, or other vegetation near your home’s foundation. We recommend maintaining a 12–18 inch vegetation-free strip (gravel works great) around the base of your house.
3. Vacuum, Don’t Squish
If mites are already indoors, use a vacuum to remove them. Avoid crushing them, as they can leave stains on surfaces.
4. Professional Perimeter Treatments
We apply residual insecticides around your home’s foundation, windows, and entry points. Our treatments create a long-lasting barrier that keeps clover mites out—without damaging your landscaping.
Clover Mite Biology and Behavior
Understanding clover mite behavior is key to stopping future infestations:
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Reproduction: Clover mites reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis). One female can lay 70+ eggs.
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Life Cycle: Eggs hatch quickly in warm weather. You’ll see activity spike in early spring and fall.
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Diet: They feed on plant juices from clover, grass, dandelions, and ornamental plants—especially in lush, fertilized lawns.
Because of their small size and high reproductive rate, infestations can grow quickly if not addressed.
Local Help for Clover Mites in Des Moines
If you’re dealing with a clover mite problem in Des Moines or Central Iowa, call The Bug Man today. We’re local experts in residential pest control, and we’ll tailor a solution to your home and landscape.
👉 Call us at 515-285-6900 or schedule online to get started.
We’ll help kick clover mites to the curb—and keep them out for good.
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