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Clover mites

Facts about clover mites

Clover mite
  • Clover mites live and reproduce outdoors but can be found in early summer and autumn indoors, when they have wandered in by mistake.
  • They are completely harmless.
  • They only feed on plants and are mainly found in lawns, particularly that which is overgrown.
  • They do not cause any harm to turf-grass.

How can you identify a clover mite?

Clover mite2
  • Image of Clover Mite shown at top of this factsheet.
  • 1/64th inch long, soft, oval and flattened from top to bottom.
  • Vary in colour from rusty brown to dark red.
  • Very long pair of front legs that extend forward as the mites crawl.

Prevention and treatment

  • Spray outside walls and window sills with a chemical spray specifically for controlling mites (advice should be available from your local gardening centre)
  • Clover mites found indoors can be removed from surfaces with a vacuum cleaner.
  • Avoid wiping the clover mites as crushing them often creates an undesirable and durable brown stain.
  • Household insecticides sprays can be used for short-term, contact control of wandering mites.
  • Always read the label of an insecticide before you buy it and follow the safety precautions during use.

Service the council provides

We offer a free identification service. You will need to catch the insect, seal it securely in a clear plastic container labelled with your name, address and phone number.

You should then take it to: Environmental Health, Challenge Building, Hatherton Road, Walsall, WS1 1YG.

Our qualified pest officers will identify it and let you know what it is.

We recommend that you treat for clover mites yourself as the council does not offer a service for the treatment of this pest type.

How to contact us

If you would like further advice or need to make a pest control appointment please contact us:

First Stop Shop
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 744320
Minicom 0845 1112910
Email contactcentre@walsall.gov.uk
Website www.walsall.gov.uk

If you need help treating a clover mite infestation or have any further questions, contact us on 01922 743320.  For householders this is a free service.  

For further information please view our clover mites factsheet (PDF 64KB).