Clover Mites: Identification, Prevention, and Control
Identifying Clover Mites
Clover mites are tiny, arachnid pests that resemble red spider mites. However, they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from their counterparts.
- Size and Appearance: Clover mites are approximately 1/30 of an inch long, with a reddish-brown coloration. Adult clover mites are typically darker than younger mites and eggs, which are bright red.
- Feeding Habits: Clover mites feed on over 200 plant species, primarily clover, which gives them their name. They suck the sap from plants, causing silvery discoloration.
- Identification Test: To confirm the presence of clover mites, crush a few individuals. If they leave a bright red stain, they are likely clover mites.
Preventing Clover Mite Infestations
The best defense against clover mites is prevention. Implementing the following measures can minimize the risk of an infestation:
- Maintain a Healthy Lawn: Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it attracts clover mites. Mow your grass at a height of three to four inches to promote root growth.
- Plant Strategically: Keep trees and shrubs away from your home’s foundation. Plant shrubs at least half their mature size from the foundation, and prune branches to prevent contact with the house.
- Create a Barrier: Establish a plant-free, grass-free strip around your home’s foundation, covering it with mulch or gravel. Remove leaf litter and vegetation from around your house, as they provide pathways for clover mites.
- Choose Resistant Plants: Select plants that clover mites dislike, such as marigolds, petunias, zinnias, salvia, roses, barberry, juniper, spruce, arborvitae, and yew.
Controlling Clover Mite Infestations
If clover mites have already invaded your home, several effective control methods are available:
- Insecticides: Apply insecticides labeled specifically for mite control outdoors. Follow the instructions on the label carefully, spraying in areas where clover mites are present. To prevent indoor infestations, spray around the perimeter of your home, including doors, windows, the foundation, and two feet up on all exterior walls.
- Sealing Entry Points: Inspect your home for any cracks or holes along windows, doors, or foundations, and seal them to prevent clover mite entry.
Clover Mites vs. Red Spider Mites
Red spider mites also appear as tiny red bugs, but they are distinct from clover mites.
- Hosts: Red spider mites infest a wide range of plants, including fruit trees, ornamentals, and edibles. Clover mites primarily feed on clover and other plants in your yard.
- Damage: Red spider mites cause more severe and permanent damage to plants than clover mites. They pierce leaves and suck out fluids, leading to discoloration, distorted leaves, leaf drop, and dieback.
- Lifecycle: Red spider mites have overlapping generations and a rapid reproduction rate, especially in hot, dry weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clover mites bite or carry diseases?
No, clover mites do not bite or carry diseases, so they do not pose a health risk to humans.
How long do clover mites live?
Clover mites have a lifespan of about one month, with five to six generations per year. They lay eggs in protected locations during the fall, which hatch the following spring.
Will clover mites go away on their own?
Clover mites are seasonal and may disappear on their own. However, a small infestation can quickly escalate into a larger one, so it is recommended to take preventative measures to keep them under control.