Photo Album: Clover Mites Spring Out in Spring Lake, NJ
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites are tiny arachnids (about 1/30 of an inch in length) that are reddish-brown in color and are oval shaped. Their front pair of legs protrude from their heads and are much longer than the other legs. These pests emerge in early spring, thus becoming a nuisance when homeowners encounter them while being outside. They feed on over 200 different species of plants. They are primarily found in an area that has the highest exposure to the sun.
Emerging from the Wall
After finding clover mites on the deck, I continued inspecting the exterior of the property. I noticed a few clover mites were emerging from a tiny indent on the concrete wall. I took a closer look and found hundreds of clover mites.
Found the Access Point
Continuing my inspection, I found a tiny crack in the wall that the clover mites were using to gain access to the home. I found out that the opening was an old basement window that the homeowner had recently sealed up. I inspected the entire interior of the home to find any additional clover mite harboring spots. Although I did find a few clover mites in the basement, they didn't spread to any other areas of the house.
Time to Get of Them
First, I vacuumed up all the clover mites with a professional grade HEPA vacuum. Clover mites, when crushed, leave behind red stains that are very difficult to remove. Next, I applied a liquid micro-encapsulating application along the deck, the entire exterior of the home, and in the basement. Once the micro-encapsulated is applied, it leaves behind thousands of micro-particles that bind to the surface. Once clover mites come in contact with this application, they are eliminated. The homeowner informed me that he will hire a professional contractor to seal up the old basement window.