As the snow finally melts, you know that spring is on its way. As your lawn reemerges, do you notice anything different? Many homeowners assume the brown spots on their lawn result from winter-kill. However, they may just have a bad case of clover mite damage.
If you need help identifying and treating clover mites, use this article as a guide.
Identification
Clover mites are about the size of the head of a pin. Their color can vary from red to dark green. However, their most distinctive feature is their long front legs.
Fully grown clover mites have four legs in total. The front legs are twice as long as the rest and extend to the front part of their body.
You can identify clover mite eggs by their red color and round shape. Most mites lay their eggs in cracks in concrete, tree bark, and building walls.
Damage
Clover mites aren’t dangerous. They don’t bite, feed indoors, or transmit diseases. However, they come in large numbers and can be a nuisance.
They feed on nearly 200 plants including:
- Grass
- Clover leaves
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Violets
- Grassy and broadleaf weeds
However, you probably won’t find clover mites in your garden. Normally, large groups of mites leave their food source and wander near foundation walls. They use these surfaces to shed their skins.
Since these mites remain on these surfaces, the surrounding vegetation often sustains the most damage. If you consistently see lawn damage 10 feet around vertical surfaces, you likely have clover mites. They also leave silvery streaks in grass blades or tree leaves.
Occasionally, these bugs may come indoors through crevices or cracks. They will typically migrate to warmer areas during colder months.
When the weather warms, you can find high mite activity areas in places that get a lot of sun light, typically on the south or west sides of homes.
Look for mite damage in early spring, especially after a dry winter. The cold weather often attracts mites to drought-stressed grass. Plant loss usually occurs in early spring, around March, and ends mid-May. Mites also have a second peak season around fall.
Treatment
Be careful when treating mites indoors. Their crushed remains can leave a red smear that could stain furniture. A better option is to use a vacuum. Simply suck them away and dispose of the vacuum bag.
To avoid getting indoor mites, caulk and add weather stripping to entrances, including windows and doors.
You should also plant grass at least three feet from your home. If you plant grass closer, it gives the mites more places to create a habitat.
Additionally, take caution when using pesticides around your home’s foundation, as these chemicals could damage the structure.
Before you treat mites outdoors, you need to find where they live. Look for them on the outside of leaves and near discolored areas. Once you have found the clover mites, eliminate the host plant. You can also mow and trim the area.
For plants you don’t want to eliminate, heavily water and fertilize the area. You can also use a highpressure water spray.
In extreme cases, you may need to use an insecticides or miticides. There are various product options from oils to soaps. However, look for products with parathyroid insecticides for a more effective solution.
You may need to treat the area several times. After you apply the insecticide, wait 24 hours before you mow or water again.
The safest form of treatment is through a trusted professional. They can eradicate the situation long term. They also have access to specialized equipment and insecticides.
When you need to eliminate mites, call your local arbor company for advice and help.
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