How To Remove Clover Mites From Your Home, The Tiny Red Critters That Invade In Numbers
If you had just one clover mite in your home, you probably wouldn’t even notice it. However, these extremely tiny red arachnids can sometimes invade homes and buildings in massive numbers, turning into a true nuisance.
They are a part of the spider mite family, have eight legs, and are red. Clover mites are harmless to humans, too, because they don’t sting or bite.
The real reason why the arachnids are so frustrating is that when they gather in groups, their sheer volume can be overwhelming. Not to mention, they leave behind a red stain when squished, making removal a hassle.
So, understanding how to keep clover mites away from your home is critical for saving you time and headaches.
What Can Attract Clover Mites?
These critters are at their most active during the early spring or fall and are mainly drawn to food sources and warmth. That’s why they may try to head inside your house to seek refuge during the colder months.
Outdoor infestations are also possible during the summer since clover mites enjoy soaking up the sunlight on the side of houses.
Other factors in your yard may be appealing to the pests as well. For instance, mulch beds, overgrown lawns, and vegetation around your house might attract them, as they love moisture.
Sometimes, even just crevices or cracks in your windows, doors, or home structure are enough for clover mites to get in, particularly when other food sources are plentiful.
JJ Gouin – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual clover mite
How To Keep Clover Mites Away
Prevention is always best, and with a few methods, you can help manage these arachnids and mitigate an infestation.
First, be sure to vacuum regularly and keep an eye out for any critters around your home. You’ll also want to close off any crevices or cracks inside where the pests can get in.
Outside your house, pay attention to your garden and trim away any vegetation that’s close to your foundation. You should make sure you’re not over-watering your plants, either, as too much moisture attracts clover mites.
Finally, around the perimeter of your house, you can use barrier treatments such as gravel or pesticides.
Removing Clover Mites From Your Living Space
Now, it is tough to eliminate these critters completely. So, if you have to get rid of clover mites from inside your home, here are some techniques.
Begin by vacuuming any critters up from your door entrances, windowsills, cracks, and corners. This will physically remove the arachnids. Just remember not to squish them, as that will leave a red streak, and to empty out your vacuum afterward, or else they can come back.
Next, you can scrub any areas that might have gotten stained and put out sticky traps. Insecticidal soap or neem oil treatments can be used and repeated, too, especially if you’re handling a severe infestation.
Outdoors, you can put insecticidal soap on any plants affected by the critters. Lastly, diatomaceous earth can be distributed along the exterior of your house to dehydrate clover mites and kill them within a few days.
But be careful and follow safety instructions, as diatomaceous earth can be harmful to both humans and pets if inhaled.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Home