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The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Control
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When you see tiny red bugs crawling on your sunny windows, chances are they’re clover mites. In my years serving the DC metro area, I’ve watched these red specks mass-migrate across walls each spring and fall. They won’t bite you or ruin your home, but they can stain walls and fabrics when crushed.
Clover mites move in swarms on south- or east-facing siding. They slip under tiny cracks and window seals. When you spot smears of red, that’s a sign they’ve been crushed. At that point, you’ll often find them along window sills and door frames.
It’s easy to mix up clover mites with chiggers or spider mites. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Clover mites have two big movements each year. Eggs hatch in late winter when temps hit 45 °F. You’ll see a surge in March and April. During hot summers mites aestivate in sheltered spots. Then a fall wave shows up in October and November.
These factors invite clover mites indoors:
In my experience, a lush spring lawn next to a brick wall is a perfect bridge for them.
Clover mites don’t bite or transmit disease. Their main harm is cosmetic staining when crushed. On turf, look for silvery-bronze stippling on blades. They feed by piercing leaf tissue but don’t harm roots. Lawns often recover quickly.
You can scout for clover mites yourself:
A smart prevention plan has three parts:
Limit spring fertilizer to 0.75 lb N/1,000 ft².
Structural
Install door sweeps and repair torn screens.
Mechanical
If DIY steps fall short, consider these treatments:
Repeated water wash-downs on siding.
Chemical (perimeter only):
Our licensed technicians use non-repellent products for fast knock-down and lasting control. In most cases, 1–2 visits stop the invasion. All products are EPA approved and vetted by our in-house research team. Plus, our Better Promise means unlimited callbacks until you’re free of tiny red bugs.
In the DC area, clover mites peak:
Homeowners often call about waves on sunny, brick exteriors. With over 57 years in this region, I’ve seen these cycles repeat season after season.
Reach out if:
Our team at Better Termite & Pest Control can perform a full perimeter inspection and set up the right defense.
For more deep dives:
Conclusion
Proactive steps and timely treatments can keep clover mites from overrunning your home. Remember the spring and fall windows are key. If tiny red bugs have you worried, call our experienced team. We’ll craft a plan that fits your home and landscape.
Call us at 703-683-2000 or email [email protected] for answers or an estimate.
Tiny red bugs are clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa) that mass-migrate along sunny walls in spring and fall.
No. They don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. Their main issue is red staining when crushed.
Maintain a 6–24 inch vegetation-free barrier, seal cracks, and limit high-nitrogen spring fertilizer.
Vacuum indoor clusters, spray outdoor mites with water or insecticidal soap, and adjust landscaping.
Peak activity is late March–early May and again in mid-October when temperatures cool.
They cause silvery-bronze stippling on grass blades but don’t harm roots or destroy turf.
Proper non-repellent perimeter treatments and follow-up visits usually stop re-infestation.
All products are EPA approved and passed our internal research standards for home use.
Most clients notice a drop in mite numbers within 24–48 hours of perimeter service.
Yes. We also treat spiders, ticks, centipedes, and more. Ask about our seasonal protection plans.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that’s been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area. Read his bio.
