‘Walking Dust Specks’

According to CSU entomologist Whitney Cranshaw, you may have these “walking dust specks” in your home. How did they gain access? By first climbing on a south-facing wall to a window or doorway with a slight crack on warm days, fall or spring. They are commonly known as clover mites.

These spider mites have very long front legs and are slightly larger than the typical spider mites. The top of their abdomen is flattened. They are red or reddish green in color.  

Clover mites produce two or more outdoor generations during the cooler seasons February to May. They feed on grasses and other plants.

Adult mites will lay their eggs in the turf. Most of these eggs will remain dormant through winter and then become active during warm periods in February. In one to two months, the mites will reach their mature size.  

Feeding sources for the mites include drought-stressed turf grass, clover, weeds and woody plants such as honeysuckle, ivy, elm, apple and gooseberry.
 

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