Clover mites are those tiny red bugs usually found on lawn plants and in gardens. They boast a cute oval shape with 8 legs and are a part of the arachnid species. A clover mite is easily identified by its brownish-reddish color and small pin size head and long legs. If you suspect that you may have clover mites. This article will tell you of different ways to get rid of clover mites without using harsh chemicals.
Spotting A Clover Mite
Getting rid of clover mites means finding them. These little bugs are almost impossible to spot with the naked eye. However, when crushed especially on concrete they can be easily spotted because of the red stain. There’s no wonder they are also called (concrete mites). A clover mite is not exactly a concrete mite.
Concrete mites and clover mites have a close resemblance. To spot the difference, a clover mite shows its presence in the spring while a concrete mite comes around in the summer.
What Does A Clover Mite Eat? Clover mites are vegetarians. They love to feed on plants that grow on lawns. A Clover mite diet is mostly comprised of oversized fertilized grass, flowers, clovers, and anything that’s plant-like. When in large groups clover mites can take down your garden in a few days.
Another place clover mites may search for food is on your rooftop and on your patio anywhere there might be food/ vegetation. Don’t forget these places are prone to algae, mold, mildew, and plants. This will attract a clover mite.
What Time Of The Year Do Clover Mites Come Around?
Spring is the season where lawns and plants are blooming. That is what clover mites have been anticipating. Keep an eye out for those little red bugs at springtime.
Clover Mites Home Invasion-Not Harmful
Just in case your home is invaded by clover mites. You can rest assured that your furniture, carpets, rugs, and floors won’t be eaten. Clover mites are only harmful to your garden and lawn. On top of that, they will not survive for long as there’s is no plants in the home for feeding. Now you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Should Humans Be Afraid Of Clover Mites?
No, clover mites are not harmful to humans. A clover mite won’t feed on your blood. They won’t bite you, so don’t get frightened by the color of the little bug’s skin. Even though a clover mite is not harmful to humans. Having them around can be annoying and harmful to your outdoors. Preventing, eliminating, and treating infested areas can be done with the following hacks.
How To Get Rid Of Clover Mites
Use Vinegar To Keep Clover Mites Away:
Vinegar is a natural way to get rid of those tiny crawlers. Simply make a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to mist the surfaces that are infested by clover mites. If your lawn is also affected, mist the lawn too. This should keep the clover mites at bay. Wait for just a second!
Before using vinegar on the entire lawn. Spot check on a small area for changes in the grass. This is due to the fact that vinegar is acidic so you’ll want to make sure there’s no damage done to your lawn. As you read along you’ll find other amazing ways to get rid of clover mites.
How To Get Rid Of Clover Mites In The Home
Control Clover Mites With A Vacuum…
When removing clover mites in the home be careful of crushing them. Doing so will stain the surface. Keep in mind that their body fluid is red. To avoid a mess remove the clover mites manually.
Use a vacuum to vacuum the infested area. Bear in mind this method will not eliminate them for good. Vacuuming is just a way of controlling the mites.
How To Get Rid Of Clover Mites Naturally
Soap & A Sponge…
There are natural ways to get rid of clover mites without using pesticides. Dish soap can be used to repel and eliminate clover mites. Clover mites detest high fragrances and will stay away from them when detected. Here is how.
Method…
Dab a damp sponge with the dish soap. Use it to sponge tables, chairs, concrete, etc. While wiping be gentle, you don’t want to squish the mites as this will cause a stain. A clover mite stain is not easily erased so be very gentle. This will keep the mites away.
Water & Soap…
Just a little soap and water go a far way when treating a clover mite-infested area. All you need is dishwashing liquid or a few drops of laundry detergent.
Combine any of these along with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mites. The soapy liquid will prevent the clover mites from breathing and so they’ll eventually die. You can use this same solution to treat the lawn.
How To Get Rid Of Clover Mites with Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural way for warding off bugs including clover mites. The strong smell of the oils will deter the mites. The good thing about getting rid of clover mites is that you don’t need to be a scientist to make a quick solution.
To use essential oils as a pesticide to get rid of clover mites try this method. Integrate 15 drops of peppermint essential oil into 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well, and mist the affected plants and other infested areas.
Baby Powder For Detering Clover Mites
Baby powder is a simple and fast way to deter clover mites. Sprinkle the powder in the corners and outlining of your room and around the base of furniture like table beds and chairs. The powder will prevent the mites from crawling up on these items.
Try Boric Acid
Boric acid can be used as a pesticide to kill mites and other insects. To use boric as a pesticide for destroying clover mites. Sprinkle the powder around the home. Boric when sprinkled around patios, windowsills, and doorways, will keep the mites out.
The Best Way To Prevent Clover Mites
Clover mites are attracted to thick vegetation. The best way to prevent clover mites is to reduce the bushes around the home. A clustered garden is also an invitation. It will be best to remove at least 20-25 inches of the greenery. This will prevent a clover mite infestation.
Another way to prevent these tiny red mites from entering your home is to do this. Do a home inspection. Check for cracks and entry points on windowsills, wooden floors, cracks in the foundation, sidewalks, and other open areas. These small creatures will use any opening to enter the home and even for nesting. Check for all the entry points and seal them if possible.
Can Baking Soda Be Used To Kill Clover Mites?
Baking soda does not kill clover mites. It on the other hand can be used as a natural deterrence. Baking soda when sprinkled in and around cracks becomes a barrier stopping the mites from entering.
You can use baking soda as a control strategy. Outline your garden or the circumference of your yard with baking soda. The mites will not be able to walk through the powder and will take habitat elsewhere.
How To Kill Clover Mites?
Killing a clover mite is simple. A slight squish will kill them. If you’re trying to avoid a stain then use a pesticide solution. These are sure to work.
Try Any Of The Following…
- Borax Laundry Powder— Can be used as a barrier around the home and garden. Borax is a natural repellent for clover mites. This powder is not proven to kill the mites, but will surely keep them away.
- Dish Soap—A mist of dish soap and water
- Poison—Nothing beats a little poison. Try using any insecticide that’s permethrin-based. Place in affected locations with close observation. Do not place in view of pets and children. Do not use on countertops and furniture.
Try These When Nothing Else Works
Bifen IT. This is a strong insecticide that will terminate the mites for sure. If you have tried all the natural options and none works. Your next action is to get more drastic.
To do this start by treating the base of the home outer walls stopping at the windowsills. If your home has two floors only treat the windows on the first floor.
For the best result, the lawn must be treated. Spraying the yard is based on size. Read the instructions carefully before applying. After treating the outdoors there’ll be a lot of dead clover mites hanging around. Use a handheld vacuum cleaner to clean. Empty the vacuum cleaner into a bag seal it tightly and toss it in the bin. Check with your nearest Walmart Supercenter for this product.
Sevin lawn insect granules has the reputation for killing clover mites quickly.
Above are the most efficient natural ways to get rid of clover mites. Mentioned too are other methods you can use when you have tried all-natural ways. It’s time to take back your yard and home from these little red mites.
