How to Get Rid of Clover Mites—and Why You Should Never Squish Them

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Clover mites do n’t sting , gestate diseases , or destroy food store like some other pests do , but these lilliputian cherry critters are still viewed by many homeowners as one of theworst bugs . No one wants to descry an infestation of clover pinch crawling all around their dwelling house , over their plant life , oron their lawn . Ahead , we ’ll discourse how to get free of trefoil mites and what you’re able to do to stop them from returning to your home .

What Are Clover Mites and Are They Destructive?

Clover mites are a member of thespider mite familythat are ascertain across the United States and around the world . They are very small-scale , only about 1/30 of an inch , which is approximately the same size of it as the menstruation at the ending of this judgment of conviction .

trefoil touch , orBryobia praetiosa , are red , with some being more of a red - chocolate-brown coloration and others having a brighter red-faced hue . Once clover mites reach the adult stage , the females are able to place egg whenever desired . Because of this , a few insects can rapidly twist into an infestation in the home or garden .

Thankfully , trefoil mites are not as destructive as some other pests . accord to theUniversity of Maryland Extension , they are think nuisance pests . They do not cause terms to nutrient or anatomical structure and do not convey disease that can harm people or flora . So , if you ’ve been require “ do clover mites seize with teeth ? ” the answer is no .

Red clover mite sitting walking along cement platform.

Photo: istockphoto.com

While they may not cause the extreme scathe that some other bug do , clover mites can still be a problem . Their red coloring can leave behind stains behind on furniture , linen paper , and other surfaces if thetiny red bugsare squished . trefoil mites can also suck sap from plant , which can conduce to stippling or discoloration .

Because clover pinch are so lilliputian , it can be hard to keep them out of the home . They can put on entranceway through the smallest of openings , such as those found in a screen . Some signs that you may have an infestation include red staining on surface in the menage , such as carpets , window sills , or window coverings . Discoloration in the leaves of your plants can also be a signaling that the trefoil mites have been sucking their sap .

What Attracts Clover Mites?

trefoil mite may be attracted to your home or garden for a few different reasons , the first being wet . Humid domain in the home , such as the kitchen or can , are often very appealing for them . Moistpiles of lawn clippingsor leave in the yard can encourage a clover mite plague . Mulch also retains moisture , so when it is run along the foundation of a home , the mites may be more likely to transition into the planetary house .

lawn that are gamey in food are also more appealing to trefoil mite and can increase your chances of an plague . likewise , nutrient - plentiful compost or rot organic material , such as Ellen Price Wood , can also attract clover mites to your yard .

How to Get Rid of Clover Mites Indoors and Out

While many commend the role of pesticides to deal with an infestation , learning how to get disembarrass of clover mites naturally is safer for you , your household , and the planet . According to theEPA , some pesticides are carcinogens , while others can cause problems with the ductless gland system , nervous system of rules , and other of import functions .

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth — which can also come in ready to hand whengetting rid of chigoe flea — is a natural answer to help unclutter up a trefoil jot plague . The reason diatomaceous ground can be so efficacious is because the tiny fossilized remains are so shrewd . They will puncture the mite ’s exoskeleton , have them to dry out and die .

Jeremy Yamaguchi , the CEO ofLawn Love , cites diatomaceous ground as his preferred method acting for getting rid of the little red bugs . He explains , “ For the near results , apply this product when you do n’t expect pelting for at least 24 hour . If the pests are still there after a rainwater , you ’ll need to use DE again . ”

This home remedy for trefoil pinch can also be used inside the home , just take care to annul inhaling the powder or letting it amount into contact with your cutis . If you have pets or children , you may want to keep them away from the areas where it is applied until the hint have been killed and you have vacuumed it up .

Red Clover Mite crawling on dirt near a plant.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Vacuum Cleaner

If you have trefoil mites in the menage , your trustworthy vacuum cleansing agent can come to the rescue . Use it to suck up any trefoil mites that you see . Vacuuming is preferred to slosh and wiping up because it will forestall them from staining the control surface in the home .

Dish Soap and Water

Dish soap and water can be used as anatural clover touch insecticide . summate some water and a few drops of dish easy lay to a spray bottle . Spray any areas where you see grounds of clover mites . The soap will step in with the mite ’s waxy coating , leading to dehydration and death . To avoid leaving stains behind , vacuum up any bushed clover mites once the sphere dries .

Sticky Traps

Placingsticky trapsalong window Belle Miriam Silverman or other areas where you have spot clover hint can help pin the bugs and foreclose them from occupy your home . trefoil mites do not fly , so if the trap is in their path , they will not be able to go around it without getting caught .

Spray Water

Using the hosepipe to spray water over affect exterior areas is another clover mites handling that you’re able to try . Because the bugs are so pocket-size , a strong rush or water supply from the garden hose should rinse them away .

If you know clover mites are present , spend a little special time watering any juiceless patch in your lawn . Clover mite testis are often laid in these areas , and spraying them with pee can stop the eggs from hatching .

Tips for Preventing a Clover Mite Infestation

keep a blighter infestationeliminates the headache of attempt to clear one up . Below are a few tips that can facilitate you keep trefoil mites from invade your house , your plants , or your lawn .

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Mulch lining the side of a grey, brick home.