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What are springtails and clover mites? They are both tiny pests that tend to infiltrate homes, sometimes by the thousands, in springtime. And although they do not transmit diseases the way cockroaches and ticks can, and they won't eat you alive, the way mosquitoes and bed bugs do, they are still a nuisance and a hassle to deal with, and they can be damaging to your belongings. Worse than this, they could be an indicator of larger problems.
Springtails
These are tiny insects ranging in length from .25 to 6 mm that get their name from a spring-loaded appendage called a furcula which is located on the underside of their abdomen. If this insect is disturbed, it releases its furcula, causing it to be hurled through the air. Aptly named "springtails" these insects can jump as far as 10 centimeters. Typically they live inside moist soil where they eat mold and fungus. They are commonly found in flowerbeds, under logs sitting on damp ground, under paving stones and landscape timbers, and underneath anything else that is damp and lying on the soil.
Clover Mites
These tiny red bugs are so small they look like moving specks. Red in appearance, these cute little critters sometimes suck the sap from plants, but they prefer grass. If they get into your home, and someone accidentally crushes them (or they are crushed on purpose) they will leave a red stain. Items they commonly stain are walls, floors, curtains, and upholstered furniture. One interesting fact about clover mites is that females do not need males to reproduce. In fact, in the United States, the clover mite population is 100% female! And those females, if left alone, can lay up to 70 eggs each. This means a small infestation can become a large infestation quickly.
Why do I have springtails or clover mites in my home?
If you are seeing either of these tiny insects inside your home, this is a warning sign that you may have a moisture problem. If moisture is left unaddressed, and holes in your walls or foundation are left unfixed, it could lead to other, larger insects, and even rodents, getting into your home.
How can I get rid of clover mites and springtails?
While there are a number of steps you can take to try and keep these pesky critters out of your home, once they have taken root it is best to have the problem addressed by a professional. If you need assistance with these or other invasive pests, reach out to us. We would be happy to assist you.