Clover Mites (Bryobia praetiosa)

Clover mites live and reproduce outdoors but can be found in early summer and autumn indoors, when they have wandered into premises by mistake. They are completely harmless and do not bite. They only feed on plants and are mainly found in lawns, particularly that which is overgrown The mites can be of horticultural importance since they have a very wide range of host plants amongst the various fruit trees and bushes.

Identification:
Usually, 0.6 and 0.7mm in length soft, oval and flattened from top to bottom. They vary in colour from rusty brown to dark red, very long pair of front legs that extend forward as the mites crawl.

Biology:
The female mite lays its eggs, bright red in colour, onto the bark of trees, rocks in the soil or on walls of buildings. The eggs generally overwinter and then in the spring the larvae and nymphs of the mite feed on plant material, sucking the fluid from the leaves. The life cycle can be extremely rapid in warmer parts of the country. A five-week life cycle is possible during optimum conditions

Control:
The mites do not bite man but nevertheless some form of remedial treatment may be necessary if they are occurring in sufficient numbers as to be a nuisance. If vegetation is to be treated then a pesticide approved for horticultural use for the control of mites on plants would be suitable to control this pest.