If you like spending time relaxing in your Rhode Island garden, you want to be able to do so without having to worry about pesky insects ruining your plants. Although some insects are beneficial to your garden, others may do harm to the plants. When you see a tiny type of garden pest that you don’t necessarily recognize, you may be seeing clover mites. For help with identifying and removing these pests in Rhode Island, Big Blue Bug Solutions has proven techniques that we can deploy safely and effectively at your property.
Key Characteristics Of Clover Mites: How To Identify Them
What are clover mites? They have a distinctive red color that helps make them easier to spot and identify than some other pesky garden insects. However, because they are so small, it can be tough to see them unless you are inspecting your garden plants for signs of an infestation.
Some of the defining characteristics of clover mites in Rhode Island include:
- A size of about 1/30 of an inch
- Reddish-brown, red, or occasionally a dark greenish-brown color
- Oval-shaped body
- Longer legs in the front than in the back
- Feeds on plants, including grass
Occasionally, clover mites may end up in your home. If so, they can leave behind tiny reddish stains when you crush them. Vacuuming the clover mites is better than trying to sweep, wipe, or crush them. The good news is that clover mites do not bite. They’re simply a nuisance if they end up in your home.
Clover Mites: Potential Risks And Damage To Your Garden
Clover mites on plants can potentially lead to damage in your Rhode Island garden. Even though they are extremely small, these insects can appear in large numbers, which allows them to create issues for your plants.
Some of the plants that clover mites commonly feed on include:
- Lawn grass
- Flowers
- Clover
- Dandelions
However, these insects may feed on almost any type of plant in your garden. If you have an infestation, you may notice areas of the lawn turning brown or odd-colored streaks in the leaves of your plants.
Keep Clover Mites At Bay: Prevention Tips And Techniques
If you believe you have clover mites in the house or in the garden, the team at Big Blue Bug Solutions is ready to help. We have the ability to treat these insects both indoors and outdoors at your Rhode Island home. During fall and spring, clover mites tend to multiply fast. They may gather on the exterior of your home in full sunlight. Eventually, they may migrate indoors, seeking warmth.
To keep clover mites out, add caulk to areas around your doors and windows where these tiny insects could crawl inside. Repair any holes in window and door screens. Don’t leave plants in place that are touching your home’s foundation. Instead, add a barrier of gravel or rock between the garden and the home.
Eliminate A Clover Mite Infestation: Call The Pros For Total Control
When you see an infestation of tiny insects that seems to be harming your garden plants, you may be wondering what kills clover mites. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we know that home remedies and insecticide products you may pick up at the local hardware store often appear to work initially. However, they don’t truly solve the problem over the long term and could have unwanted effects on your plants.
Trust our professional home pest control in Rhode Island to fully diagnose your problem with a thorough inspection. We then are able to apply control techniques that are effective but also keep your plants, pets, and children safe. To schedule your free inspection with our team at your Rhode Island home, reach out today.