Clover mites are tiny insects that usually appear during the spring and fall. They are red-green in color, with the particularity of having the front legs that are twice the size of the others. These mites feed on plants and their infestations generally begin outdoors. In severe cases, however, they can also move inside the house.
Steps
Step 1. Learn where to look for them
By finding them, you are able to assess the severity of the infestation and start a treatment regimen. In outdoor spaces, clover mites are found under the bark at the base of trees, in lawns and around algae, or in areas covered with mold, such as roofs and cracks. They can also be found under house panels and in sewers. If the infestation is widespread in the cracks and between the panels of your home, there is a good chance that the mites are already inside the house as well; in this case it is advisable to do a treatment both inside and on the lawn.
Step 2. Avoid over-fertilizing or watering your lawn
If you water, you can create perfect conditions for mold and other fungi that can attract mites. Too much fertilizer can also cause a similar problem. If you don't over-feed your lawn, you can avoid the growth of these food sources, discouraging the spread of infestation.
Step 3. Treat infested plants
If you notice clover mites around the base of trees or crawling on the leaves or stems of other plants, treat them all with a liquid insecticide specifically for mites. Apply the pesticide early in the morning or late at night to avoid burning the plants and follow the directions on the package to avoid underdosing or overdosing.
Step 4. Treat the entire lawn with a specific pesticide
When the house or plants are infested with clover mites, there is a good chance that the entire lawn is too. If this proves true, apply a wide-ranging spray pesticide all over the lawn. Dilute both granular and liquid pesticide with water according to the instructions on the label and spray the entire garden with a spray nozzle, early in the morning or in the evening, before the afternoon heat rises.
Step 5. Remove all weeds from the perimeter of your home
All grass and weeds between 45-60 cm in height should be pulled out and thrown away. Concentrate your efforts mainly on the south, southwest and east side of the house. Clover mites need plant material to survive, and by removing it from the vicinity of the house, you reduce the chances of their spreading even inside. You can leave these spaces empty or you can cover them with mulch or gravel, both of which discourage mites as they cannot crawl on them.
Know that gravel and mulch don't always keep mites away. The more resistant ones are able to overcome the obstacle, whether it is difficult terrain or not. Also, if mold or moss forms there, they can attract mites rather than drive them away
Step 6. Put the right greenery around the house
While many plants provide mites with a food source, some species repel them. These plants often prove even more useful than bare earth or mulch.
- The mite repellent flowers are geranium, zinnia, marigold, sage, rose, chrysanthemum and petunia.
- The repellent shrubs are barberry, juniper, spruce, thuja and yew.
Step 7. Apply a barrier treatment to keep pests out of the house
Choose any commercial insecticide that should kill the mites. Spray a barrier around the perimeter of the house at least 60cm high and 1.5m wide. You need to apply the chemical carefully, making sure you don't miss any areas, and you may need to repeat the treatments several times until you can keep the infestation under control.
Apply the treatment in the morning, before the heat of the afternoon or the cool of the night. With strong sunlight it can damage the vegetation, but the cold can make the product less effective
Step 8. Apply the powder product around the house entrances
Windows, doors, and cracks are all places for mites to enter. Putting a powdered substance in these areas, such as talcum powder or baking soda, will stop the clover mites from passing through. The layer of dust makes it difficult for them to move, causing them to die one by one.
Step 9. Put double-sided tape around the windows
Since the mites are so small, they are not blocked by the simple tape that seals the entrances to the house. However, if they crawl on double-sided tape, they stick together and eventually die. When the tape fills with dead mites, you can take it off and apply a new one.
Step 10. Vacuum the house
When you see clover mites, use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove them instead of crushing them. If you kill them by squeezing them, usually a red spot is left. Instead of just using the vacuum cleaner when you see them, you can vacuum the whole house more often to collect any mites or their eggs, even if you don't see them.
Step 11. Apply insecticide around the house
Indoor insecticides are usually considered a last resort, but they may also be needed from time to time. Apply a mild insecticide, lightly sprinkling on the mites you see crawling. However, avoid using generic indoor insecticides. Applying a specific targeted product directly to parasites is generally considered safer than applying to house surfaces.
