Spring is in full swing, so naturally, you are probably thinking about getting back outside and enjoying the beautiful weather. However, the problem is that your yard is infested with clover mites that have been eating your plants, flowers, and grass for the past few months. Whether it’s just a nuisance or an actual problem, there are ways to eliminate them.
Clover mites are tiny insects that can cause damage to your plants outdoors and inside the home. These insects attach themselves to your patio, walkways, patio herbs, and even your house with their webs.
Clover mites will not only eat patio herbs and plants but can also damage them. Therefore, it is important to get rid of them when you notice their presence.
The most effective way to get rid of the clover mites is by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or an air gun with a feather duster attachment. You’ll want to use these tools to get rid of any debris covering up their nests and any cracks or crevices around your patio furniture where they might be hiding. If you find them on plants, isolate these plants and treat them with an organic or homemade pesticide that is safe for pets and children.
These little critters like moist and warm weather, which is why they are most often found in greenhouses and gardens where the temperature is close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
They are most prevalent on home lawns, where they feed on a wide spectrum of plant species, and their symptoms include stunted growth, yellow leaf, and spotting.
However, to avoid future occurrences, you need to know why they are attracted to your patio and what causes them to appear. And how do you get rid of them? The answer to these questions lies in tackling their root cause, eliminating and deters them from your yard.
Below is everything you need to know about clover mites and the various ways to get rid of them from your patio and furniture. These methods can also be applied when eliminating spiders and other pesky insects from the yard.
Reasons Clover Mites is Attracted to Your Patio
The most likely reason you find clover mites on your patio is how poorly you have maintained it. They are attracted to areas with a lot of grass, weeds, and other plants, which could result from poor maintenance of your patio and yard.
Also, they are attracted to the patio to find warmth, moisture, and shelter during the cooler months. The fact is, if you’ve been neglecting your lawn, it’s probably starting to look a little depleted and underdeveloped.
That’s when clover mites come in. They’re a common household pest, so if you’ve been neglecting your lawn, chances are high that you’ll find them there. Clover mite infestation occurs when the number of these pests exceeds their natural population limits. However, they will die if there are no plants to feed on.
They will move into your house if it is warm and humid and has a lot of plants and trees. Also, can also be found in areas fertilized with animal manure, compost, or other organic materials.
Clover mites like warm temperatures because they are sensitive to temperature. They will die if temperatures exceed 102 degrees Fahrenheit and go dormant if the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
That’s why they often seek safety inside the home during the hot summer months—and you may find them on your patio this time of year.
Clover Mites are Different from Ticks and Mosquitoes.
Clover mites are tiny arachnids with six legs and two body segments. They are a common pest found on many plants, including grasses and shrubs, but they’re most common on clover.
They are also common to whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites. Clover mites differ from bloodsuckers like ticks and mosquitoes because they do not bite.
Clover mites are also harmless to humans, pets, and other animals. However, if you spot them on your plants or garden, you should treat them immediately with insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Clover mites, the ones that infest your lawn, garden, and patio, are different from bloodsuckers like ticks and mosquitoes.
Ticks are parasitic and lay their eggs in a host to start the life cycle of their young. The young ticks live on the host until they eventually drop off when they set out to find another host to lay their eggs on.
Mosquitoes feed on blood, so it’s not surprising that they have evolved in such a way as to be able to survive on human blood.
Clover mites are not parasitic; they live free-living lives on plants. They spend most of their time feeding on sap and sugars in the stems of clover plants—which means they don’t damage crops or gardens unless you’re using pesticide-based products that kill clover mites too!
It’s important to note that many types of mites, including spider mites, can be harmful to lawns, plants, and gardens if left unchecked by proper sanitation practices (like regular fertilizing).
If you have a lawn or garden with clover mites, don’t worry—they’re not harmful to humans or other animals.
If you notice that clover mites have infested the plant, you should treat them immediately, as they can cause damage to your plants if left untreated.
How to Get Rid of Clover Mites on Patio Naturally
If you have several plants in your garden, they can get infested with clover mites. While most people spray them off, this takes a lot of time and effort and may not be effective.
They are common pests that are beneficial in controlling the growth of weeds and other plants. However, it becomes a problem for you when they start to multiply on their own. Below are the various ways to get rid of clover mites naturally on your patio.
Use a vacuum or broom to remove them from your patio.
This is the most economical way of clearing your area of clover mites. You do this by sweeping the place where you find them, then vacuuming it. Before sweeping, you can use the broom to crush them, which makes them weak before you clean them. If you have leftover clover mites, try washing them away with a hose or garden sprayer.
Seal off any cracks or crevices
You can help prevent clover mites from entering your patio by sealing off any cracks or crevices. Clover mites are tiny, so you’ll want to ensure all holes are sealed. You can use caulk or silicon sealant to do this—make sure it’s water-resistant.
Use mite repellent on your patio or entranceway.
Mite repellents are pesticides designed to keep pesky little pests away from your patio, entranceway, or other areas where you don’t want them. They’re generally safe for children, pets, and wildlife. The easiest way to use a mite repellent is to spray it directly onto the affected area. There are many repellents, so choose one safe for your lawn and pets.
You can use a chemical called Cypermethrin (also known as pyrethrin). This chemical is derived from natural oils in many flowers and plants (like chrysanthemums). It’s been used for decades as an insecticide against mosquitoes.
Apply a garlic-based insecticide directly on top of the mites’ colonies with a paintbrush or cotton swab dipped in insecticide solution (you can also use insecticidal soap). This is another good alternative. Repeat this step every three days until all clover mites are gone from your patio area.
Mow the lawn
Mowing your lawn is easy to get rid of clover mites on the patio. It helps remove the plants that are infected by the clover mite and allows more light to enter your lawn, exposing them and making it less habitable for them.
Mowing is a good way to kill mites because they make their living off of plants. If you mow your lawn, the mites will die when they get caught in the blades of grass.
Keep shrubs trimmed
The longer you allow your shrubs to grow, the more they’ll spread and grow. This can also cause problems with other plants that are growing nearby.
Keep your bushes in check. Clover mites like tall grass and low-lying plants, so trimming your bushes is a great way to ward off these pests. If you have a lot of them, you’ll also want to trim their leaves and branches down so that they don’t get too high or sprawling, making it more difficult for the mites to move around.
When trimming, ensure to cut all the dead, dying, or browned leaves off your plants so they won’t be able to hide under them. Also, keep all parts of your yard trimmed, so there are no hiding places for the pests. Doing this will make the area less attractive to them.
Apply boric acid
Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound made from boron minerals and has been used for centuries for various purposes. Boric acid isn’t poisonous to humans or pets, but it does have an acidic pH level that will kill any clover mites that get inside their bodies.
Mix up one tablespoon of boric acid into 1 liter of water and apply it to areas where you’ve spotted clover mites. This solution should kill them in one use.
Use neem oil
Neem oil is an effective natural pesticide that kills insects and weeds without harming other plants or animals. It works by coating the entire surface area of whatever you spray it on with microscopic amounts of oil, seeping into the plant’s skin and causing pests to suffocate and die.
You may also consider spraying some neem oil onto clover-infested areas as a preventative measure. The neem oil will help repel future infestations by killing off any eggs or larvae in the soil before they have time to become mature adults. To use neem oil as a lawn treatment, mix 1/2 teaspoon with one litter of water and apply it to your lawn once per week for three weeks.
Spray the patio with a garden hose
A garden hose is an excellent tool for removing clover mites on your patio. Fill the nozzle with water and squirt it onto clover infested area on your patio. This will wash the mites off the patio and allow you to vacuum them later.
Allow the water to sit on the clover mites for about 10 minutes. Let them drown; then, you can start vacuuming any remaining mites.
Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powerful natural pest control method for many pests. It is effective against fleas, ticks, ants, spiders, mites, and many more. It is a powder made from the microscopic skeletons of single-celled algae.
The powder is a natural pesticide that kills insects by removing their protective exoskeletons. It’s safe on most surfaces, including concrete and brick, but not on plants or pets.
To get rid of clover mites:
- Mix one tablespoon of diatomaceous earth with two cups of water and apply it to the patio area where you see them congregating.
- Allow the mixture to dry for three hours before sweeping up any dead mites that fall off.
- Repeat this process once every week for three weeks until you no longer see any more clover mites on your patio.
Use vinegar
Vinegar is a great way to eliminate clover mites, especially if you have an infestation in your yard or garden. Vinegar is an acid and will kill any pest that comes into contact with it, so it’s a perfect solution if you have an infestation on your patio. Just pour some vinegar on the area where you see the clover mites, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before wiping it away.
Vinegar will also help prevent the problem from coming back. Make sure you don’t use too much vinegar—you don’t want to end up with burnt boards or furniture. You can also make a solution with one vinegar with four parts of water (one cup of vinegar with four cups of water) and spray it on the affected areas.
Seal cracks, use screens, and caulk vents
Sealing cracks and gaps in your patio will help keep the clover mites out and mosquitoes at bay. You can also use screens or even caulk to seal vents.
1. Use sealer
Seal cracks and gaps between railings and steps with clear, flexible silicone caulk to prevent mites from entering your home. This will create a barrier that prevents mites from entering the house and also help prevent water from entering the home through any openings.
2. Use screens
Install screens on doors or windows to prevent mites from entering your home. You can choose from several different sizes of screens, ranging from a few inches to several feet tall. The larger the screen, the more effective it will be at keeping out pests like mites.
3. Use caulk
Caulk any vents that aren’t appropriately sealed so they can’t be used as entrances for mites into your home.
Best Clover Mite Spray to Keep Them Away
Mite Killer Spray by Premo Guard 16 oz
The Mite Killer Spray by Premo Guard 16 oz is a safe and effective way to kill mites in your home, garden, or greenhouse. It can be used on indoor and outdoor plants to eliminate mites. You’ll also find that the Mite Killer Spray is safe for children, pets, and other pets in the family.
When you have an infestation of mites or mites in your home and yard, there is no time to waste. This spray will help eliminate these annoying pests and is generally suitable for most mites species.
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 Kills Ants
Ortho Insect Mite and disease provides a comprehensive approach to control a wide range of household and yard pests. The Ready-To-Use formula combines one of the jabs that kills instantly, plus two long-lasting, residual jabs to achieve total control of carpenter bees and sooty moths; fruit flies and aphids; caterpillars and leaf miners; white flies, and more.
This insecticidal liquid sprays a range of insect pests, such as ants, spiders, and other crawling insects. Its 20-percent concentration gives it a broader reach than most selective sprays and provides extra protection against outdoor infestations. This 5-gallon spray bottle is resistant to rusting, clogging, and glass breakage.
BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect Disease & Mite Control Spray
This 3-in-1 insect disease and mite control spray are made with natural ingredients to protect your trees, plants, and shrubs from insects, diseases, and mites. It can be used in the garden, home, or office around a swimming pool. This spray protects all types of trees, including fruit trees, shade trees, and flowering plants.
Formulated with triple action insecticidal and prevention formula, this versatile spray kills most pests on contact while providing long-lasting protection against future infestation.
It includes a carefully gathered mixture of essential oils combined with minerals adapted to the environment you encounter. Advanced is safe, effective, and 100% biodegradable.
How to prevent a clover mite infestation
When preventing a clover mite infestation on your patio, you must consider all factors contributing to a problem.
If you have an area in your yard with a lot of grass, you may be more likely to see clover mites. In addition, if you have a lot of bird feeders in your yard, those areas may also become more prone to clover mites.
If you notice any dead leaves in the grass or leaves that have been chewed off, then chances are good that clover mites are living there. The best way to prevent this is to remove any dead leaves or chewed-off leaves so they don’t provide shelter for these pests.
Another way that people often get infested with clover mites is by using fertilizers on their lawns. These fertilizers contain chemicals that attract these pests and make them easier targets for predators like birds and flies, who can then carry them back home with them, offering them food sources and places where they can reproduce themselves!
So make sure that using any fertilizer on your lawn (whether organic or synthetic) should be minimum.
How to Get Rid of Concrete Mites
When you have a concrete floor, you might not consider it where critters like mites are likely to hide. But concrete is porous, which means that all kinds of bugs can get in and live there. Concrete mites are tiny, spider-like critters that live in concrete.
These little guys love to burrow through your concrete and make it their home. If left unchecked, they can leave a lot of damage to the structure of your home.
You need to take action immediately to get rid of concrete mites. There’s no time to waste when it comes to these pests. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Clean your walls and floors with a solution of water and soap or bleach. You may also want to use a pressure washer to get into hard-to-reach areas.
- Mix two parts of water with one part of salt, and pour it into your concrete mite infestation. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub the area with a wire brush to eliminate any remaining dead mites.
- Vacuum up as much dust as possible. If the vacuum has a HEPA filter, it should do an excellent job trapping any particles smaller than 1 micron.
- Use a mix of water and bleach to kill and wash the mites off your patio.
- Use a disinfectant such as Lysol or another brand of spray household cleaner on any exposed surfaces in your home.
- Diluted dish soap solution mixed with water (about 1 part dish soap and three parts water) and sprayed onto areas where these pests might be hiding out – including woodworkings (particularly around windows), furniture pieces such as door frames or drawers, even underneath carpeting! This treatment should last for about two weeks before re-treatment is needed again.
- Scrub the vacuum cleaner filter with mineral spirits or alcohol, then rinse it off with fresh water before storing it away for next time. This will help prevent future infestations from forming inside your vacuum cleaner’s filters.
- Dip your fingers in rubbing alcohol, then rub them against the surface of the concrete to remove any mites.
How to Get Rid of Clover Mites with Essential Oils
Clover mites are a common problem for plants, and they can be hard to get rid of. This is because clover mites are microscopic, which means you can’t see them with your naked eye.
Essential oils are one way to eliminate these pesky critters without using harsh chemicals like pesticides. Not only will essential oils help kill off clover mites (and many other pests), but they will also smell nice. The oils will kill the mites and their larvae, so you don’t have to use pesticides or other harsh chemicals on your plants.
Essential oils can be used in several ways, but they’re generally added directly to water or sprayed onto the affected area. Essential oils work best with other methods for treating clover mites; for example, adding lavender oil will help ensure your plants stay healthy and free from pests like clover mites.
Different types of essential oils to kill clover mites
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Manuka
- Garlic
- Clove
- Thyme
To kill clover mites with these essential oils, apply a few drops of oil directly onto your plants’ leaves. You can do this by either spraying the oil directly on infested areas. Be sure to clean any equipment that touches leaves before applying more oil so you don’t spread mites around.
Also, you can mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle to cover a large area. This solution may contain insecticide soap or bleach to make it more effective.
Baking soda kill clover mites
There’s no denying the benefits of baking soda. It’s a great way to get rid of powdery mildew on plants, clean your toilet with it (it’s great for killing bacteria), and much more.
But did you know that baking soda can also kill clover mites? Yep! If you’ve got clover mites in your garden or around your patio, this is a super easy way to get rid of them.
Baking soda works as an excellent, natural way to kill clover mites. It is a chemical readily available in many households and can be purchased at any grocery store. Baking soda is also available in most pet stores.
Baking soda has a pH level of about 3-4, which is high enough to kill many insects and plants (but not clover mites). So when you use baking soda to clean your house, you’re killing everything else—including the clover mites!
To use baking soda to get rid of clover mites, you first must wash your plants with warm water. Then, sprinkle some baking soda on your plant’s leaves and the soil around it. Next, cover the top of the plant with a plastic bag until it dries completely. You should not wash this plant for at least two weeks after applying the baking soda because it will kill other types of pests and weeds in your garden and clover mites.
