Come spring and fall, you will notice tiny red bugs feeding on the grass of your lawns, plants and clovers. These bugs are no bigger than a pinhead. They are related to spiders and ticks, but are true mites. When clover mite infestation in your garden increases, these mites will begin invading your home.
Usually, clover mites enter homes through tiny crevices and gaps found around doors and windows. You may notice these bugs crawling on your walls, window panes and window sills. If you squish them, they will leave behind a red stain on the surface. If you check the outside of your home, you will find them in thousands on the walls and siding. Typically, clover mites tend to congregate on the outer surfaces of your home that get the most sun.
Are These Mites Dangerous?
Clover mites do not cause allergies or diseases, but they are a big nuisance and that is what makes them so frustrating. They tend to invade homes and offices in large numbers, but do not bite you or your pets. Furthermore, even if the mites live on your walls or windows, they do not have the ability to cause any structural damage to your home. However, if you crush them, they will leave behind a red stain on the surface, thereby discolouring your furniture, walls and carpets.
Tips to Get Rid of Clover Mites
Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of clover mites. Some of the ways to eliminate these nuisance pests from your home are as follows:
- Vacuum Cleaning: If you find clover mites walking on your walls, furniture or carpets, use the crevice attachment of the vacuum cleaner to suck them. This attachment also is great for getting rid of the mites hiding in crevices. Keep an eye on the nozzle, as it will get coated by the body juices of the dead mites. Use a dry kitchen towel to wipe the inside of the nozzle every 5 minutes. This is important, as the body juices of clover mites can seep into your vacuum machine, causing a short circuit.
- Boric Acid: Make a solution of boric acid and water. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray into the crevices and gaps around doors and windows. You need not worry about staining. The boric acid solution will enter the crevices and keep the mites from coming into your home. You also can use boric acid in powder form on plants. Just dust the plants that are infested with the mites.
- Double-sided Tape: You can catch clover mites by using a double-sided tape. The mites will get stuck to the sticky surface of the tape. The best way to remove the mites is placing the tape on crevices and window sills. Once the tape is filled with captured mites, remove and replace the tape until the infestation reduces or disappears.
- Insecticide for Mites: If you have clover mites inside, it is a foregone conclusion the mites are also present in your garden. Check the plants and trees carefully. You will notice them crawling on the infested ones. Use a liquid insecticide that is especially formulated for mites. Spray the affected trees and plants early morning as per directions on the label.
- Mite Repelling Plants: If you want to take a more eco-friendly route, try planting flowers and shrubs that repel mites. These plants can be more effective than leaving the surroundings immediately around your home bare or resorting to using gravel. Flowers, such as chrysanthemum, marigold, geranium, zinnia, petunia and rose, can repel clover mites. Shrubs, such as yew, barberry and juniper, are effective in keeping clover mites away from your garden and home.
- Baby Talc: Dust baby talc along windows, doors and crevices. This will prevent the mites from crawling into your home. The talc covers the mites and makes it tough for them to crawl. This eventually causes them to die. If you don’t have baby talc, use baking soda. It is equally effective.
These are some ways to get rid of clover mites from your garden and home. If you are using insecticide, make sure you wear protective gear and follow the directions on the label carefully. Keep pets and kids away while using the insecticide.