When it comes to household pests, clover mites are not usually the first to come to mind. Many people consider other types of pests like termites, rodents, and cockroaches to be more destructive and difficult to get rid of, which is true, but clover mites can also become a headache for many homeowners if there is a significant presence in or around your home.
One of the biggest issues with clover mites is that these pests are so small that they can easily go undetected until you start to notice damage to your plants and foliage outside of your home. If you suspect you may have clover mites on your property, here is everything you need to know about these tiny pests.
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites are a small species of mite that are part of the arachnid family. Clover mites do not feed on blood, but rather plants, which is where they get their main nutrients from. Clover mites get their name from the way they suck plant juices from clover, grass, and other plants frequently seen on lawns.
How to Identify Clover Mites?
Clover mites are very small, typically between 0.03 and 0.033 inches in length, making them difficult to see unless you’re looking for them. They are oval-shaped with eight legs and are typically reddish brown or dark green/brown in color. Clover mites have scales on their abdomens and a distinct dark spot on their backs that leaves a red stain when crushed.
Where Are Clover Mites Commonly Found?
Clover mites are typically found outside of homes with lawns, as they feed on grass, clover, and other plants grown on lawns. When it comes time to molt and lay eggs, clover mites prefer to hide in various cracks and crevices, commonly underneath the loose bark on trees, under the siding of homes, and around window frames. While clover mites are usually found outdoors, they may make their way into your home if the weather outside becomes too hot or too cold, and will enter through any cracks or crevices in your walls or floors.
Are Clover Mites Harmful?
While clover mites are not harmful or dangerous to humans or pets, they can cause a lot of damage to your lawn and garden. Because they like to eat grass, clover, and other plants, these mites can eat away at your lawn and foliage if not treated promptly. The more clover mites that are present in your yard, the more significant the damage will be. These pests can also leave behind red stains when crushed, which can look unsightly on your home, shed, or garden beds.
How to Get Rid of Clover Mites
While dealing with clover mites can be difficult, there are several things you can do to get rid of them:
- Vacuum them up (if you find them inside your home)
- Create a barrier around your home using diatomaceous earth or baking soda
- Use pesticides to target and kill clover mites
- Create your own DIY clover mite traps and deterrents
How to Prevent Clover Mites
Preventing clover mites isn’t as difficult as it may seem and it’s often the best solution for long-term relief. Here are a few things you can do to protect your home and garden from these pests:
- Regularly trim tree branches and shrubs to keep them away from your home
- Keep plants at a distance of at least three feet from your home
- Remove fallen leaves from your yard
- Invest in ongoing pest control from a trusted exterminator
While clover mites are not as destructive as other household pests, such as cockroaches or rodents, they can still become a nuisance if left untreated. If you suspect you are dealing with a clover mite infestation in your home or on your lawn, contact us today to talk about your pest control options!
FAQs
Can I use pesticides to eliminate clover mites?
Pesticides are generally not recommended for controlling clover mites indoors because they are ineffective and can pose health risks. Instead, focus on preventive measures and physical removal.
Do clover mites damage plants?
Clover mites can feed on plant sap, but they rarely cause significant damage to plants unless present in very large numbers. They are more of a concern for aesthetic reasons than for plant health.
When are clover mites most active?
Clover mites are most active in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild. They tend to become more noticeable when they migrate indoors seeking shelter from extreme heat or cold.
