Clover mites are undeniably annoying and highly invasive pests that can take over your garden and home in no time. These tiny creatures feed on more than 200 species of plants, especially clover. However, some homeowners don't mind if clover mites stay outside. The real problem begins when they invade the home, and their population explodes under ideal temperature and moisture.
Clover mites are destructive, and if you have decorative weeds or plants, it's important to find the right way to get rid of them. This is because these tiny insects can damage lawns and gardens. This blog will help you find the right solution to your problem: "How to get rid of clover mites on plants?"
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites (Bryobia Praetiosa) are tiny red arachnids that feed on plant sap. These pests are the size of a pinhead, making them hardly visible to the naked eye until they gather into a dense mass. They are oval-shaped and have longer front legs than back legs, which gives them an antennae-like appearance.
These insects are all female, reproduce asexually, and gestate their eggs internally. Adult clover mites lay eggs at will, which means they can reproduce an entire generation of mites to infest a space in a shorter time.
They pierce through leaves and flowers, which results in discolouration and stunted growth. Though they are not known to spread plant disease or kill healthy plants, they can damage weak, vulnerable plants. However, the positive aspect is that, like any other pests, these can also be easily eliminated with a few mindful techniques and regular maintenance.
8 Ways to Get Rid of Clover Mites on Plants
Here are 10 effective ways to get rid of clover mites on the plants -
Boric Acid
Sprinkle boric acid around the area that is infested by these mites, as the acid repels clover mites and creates a protective barrier to keep them out of the region.
Insecticides
It is advised to use organic insecticides for lawn treatment, which help control clover mite populations. Apply a handful to the shrubbery in the morning and evening when the temperature drops a little. This prevents the plants from burning.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, effective, and non-toxic way to get rid of clover mites. All you need to do is sprinkle some around the area where mites are gathering. This creates a barrier which dehydrates the mites.
Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as peppermint and clove oils, also help deter clover mites. Experts recommend mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and spraying the solution around your home to keep these invading insects away.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide and is one of the best ways to get rid of mites, as it disrupts their lifecycle. To make the solution, mix neem oil with water and pour it into the spray bottle. Make sure to mix the solution well before spraying. For a more potent solution -
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Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil to the water. Dish soap acts as an emulsifier, helping the neem oil mix more evenly with water.
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Spray the solution around entryways, windows, and other areas of your home that might serve as entry points for mites.
Garlic and Chilli Pepper
You can also use chilli pepper and garlic to ward off mites from your lawn and property. To make a spray mix, crush garlic or chillies with water, then strain before spraying.
Vacuum the Mites
Whenever you see the clover mites, vacuum them from window sills, corners of the home, doorways, or in any cracks and crevices. Once you vacuum them, ensure you filter them out so the mites don't return.
Incorporate Lacewings
Lacewings prey upon clover mites and other common yard pests. So, you can introduce lacewings to your garden to keep mites away. Also, lacewings prevent other harmful pests from destroying your garden.
| Notes | It is advised not to squish the clover mites, as it leaves a red stain, which looks utterly disgusting. |
How to Prevent Clover Mites from Invading Your Property?
Clover mites are invasive and might destroy your vegetation in the yard. Here are some ways you can prevent them from entering your property -
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Create a grass-free boundary to prevent these pests from entering the house. You can use options such as gravel, mulch, stones, etc.
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Ensure your lawn stays healthy by mowing regularly and fertilising correctly. Avoid adding too much nitrogen-based fertiliser, as this can lead to excessive grass growth.
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Opt for pest-repelling plants to keep mites away, and if you have infected plants in the yard, remove them.
Pro Tips Mowing grass and cutting back ornamental plants can reduce mite populations.
