Brownish-Green Mites Invade Homes - Oh, My!

-

Have you ever found masses of brownish-green mites that seem to be invading your home? You may have found large numbers around a window or on a counter top. If you crush the mites they leave a greenish stain. If you look closely, you might also have seen long front legs like the mite in the photo (left). These long legs are often mistaken for antennae.

You probably found clover mites. Clover mites are actually a type of spider mite that feeds on plants and they occasionally enter homes from plants growing along the foundation of your home, entering through open windows or cracks.

Most spider mites rarely if ever leave their host plants but clover mites are a little different. For reasons that are not entirely clear these mites will start a sort of "mass migration", often in the spring, that can end with large numbers of mites on your interior walls and counters. Rest assured the mites are completely harmless except for the potential for staining of interior furnishings if crushed. They do not bite and will not infest food or other household items. In fact, mites that are found inside can be simply swept up, insecticides are not needed nor are they very effective in this case.

The key to stopping mites from entering homes is to manage the source - the plants growing around your home's foundation. Plants can be removed or simply cut back so they don't lay against the house. Try to maintain a gap of at least 12" between foundation plantings and the house. I've recently posted an article at our 'Bugs site that spells out more ways to manage clover mites and keep them outside.

__________

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are these BIG black ants in my house?

-
Image
carpenter ant In early spring or late winter people often encounter these large black ants in homes. These big ants are different than the more common small, brown "nuisance ants" that plague kitchens. The big ants are called carpenter ants ( Camponotus spp .) and unlike their smaller cousins, nest above ground in cavities. Nest building and cavity expansion by these large, powerful ants can cause damage if nests occur in our homes. Most of the ants you find in homes are small, less than 1/4", and brown. There are several species of small brown ants that can nest in our home's walls or nearby soil and enter homes in search of food and water (see House Ants for identification and control). Nuisance ants are just that, a nuisance. They won't damage your home and pose no health threat of any kind.  There's another ant, however, that occasionally is found in homes that is much bigger (1/4"-5/8"), darker in color, nests in the walls, floors and c
Read more

Tiny, Yellow or Black, Bugs That Bite

-
Image
a thrips next to a leaf vein Have you every felt a sharp pinch while outside during summer only to find a tiny, yellow or black, sliver-like bug when you investigate the bite? These bites are from a tiny insect called a thrips (the name is always plural; one thrips, many thrips). Thrips normally feed on plants with very sharp, knife-like mouthparts but some are predators of other small insects or mites. If they happen to land on us they can bite causing a sharp, stabbing pain. The bites are annoying but completely harmless and are more common in mid- to late summer. Unfortunately, insect repellents don't work against thrips. Continue reading to discover ways to avoid thrips bites at our 'Bugs website . drawing showing feathery wings Thrips can be important plant pests where they damage leaves and in some cases even infect plants with a virus. Greenhouse growers in particular often treat their crops with insecticide to prevent thrips damage. ___________
Read more

Tiny Jumping Bugs In Homes and Yards - Springtails

-
Image
close-up of springtail/collembola I get questions through my 'Bugs site every week about tiny jumping bugs in people's homes . The questions usually start something like: " I've found tiny jumping bugs on my _____, what are they and what should I do? " Since there are only a few small insects that actually jump or hop when disturbed this question is pretty easy to answer even without a good photo. These tiny critters are called springtails , or collembola , and they are not really insects at all but rather primitive soil micro-arthropods (a distinction that is only of interest to an entomologist!). See Springtails In Homes and Gardens for more pictures and life history. Springtails live in soil where they feed on bacteria, fungi, and occasionally plant roots. They are harmless to plants and even beneficial to healthy soils. Very large populations can build in highly organic soils. They are most often noticed following heavy rains when they are washed
Read more