As the weather starts to warm up, you may notice an increase in the number of little red spiders invading your space. These tiny arachnids, also known as clover mites, are harmless to humans but can be a nuisance when they infest homes and gardens.

Here is what you need to know about these little red spiders and how to deal with them:

Identification
Clover mites are about the size of a pinhead and are oval-shaped with eight legs. They are usually red or brown in color and are often mistaken for spider mites or chiggers. The easiest way to identify them is by their bright red color.

Habitat
Clover mites typically infest lawns and gardens, especially during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. They feed on plants, but they are not harmful to them unless the infestation is severe. Indoors, they can be found crawling on windowsills, walls, and floors, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.

Life Cycle
Female clover mites can lay up to 70 eggs at a time, which hatch in about a week. The mites go through several stages of growth before becoming adults, and they can live up to four weeks. During this time, they can reproduce quickly, causing an infestation to spread rapidly.

Prevention and Control
The best way to prevent clover mites from invading your home is to keep your lawn and garden well-maintained. Mow the lawn regularly, prune trees and shrubs, and remove weeds. Seal off any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent the mites from entering your home. Vacuuming up the mites and wiping down surfaces with soap and water can also help control the infestation.

Chemical control is not usually necessary for clover mites, as they do not cause significant damage to plants or pose a health risk to humans. However, if the infestation is severe, insecticides can be used as a last resort.

In conclusion, while the invasion of little red spiders may be frustrating, they are harmless to humans and easily preventable with proper lawn and garden maintenance. Taking action to seal off potential entry points and cleaning up infested areas can go a long way in controlling an infestation. If you are unsure about how to deal with an infestation, consult with a pest control professional for advice.