Nashville, Tennessee, is a beautiful place to cultivate your garden. Generally, Nashville, Tennesse has a temperate climate with generally mild winters and warm summers, which makes it an ideal location for gardening enthusiasts.   However, along with the lush greenery and colorful flowers, you might encounter unwelcome guests in your garden, like clover mites. These tiny, red pests can be a nuisance, but how? Well, we'll discuss on this article, as well as how to remove these small but terrible creatures safely. 

What Are Clover Mites, and Why Are They a Problem?

Clover mites, scientifically known as Bryobia praetiosa, measure only about 1/30 of an inch in length. Some mistaken this as baby spiders, but no! They belong to the arachnid class, like spiders, but they are not classified as spiders. Clover mites are more closely related to ticks and chiggers.

These tiny pests are reddish-brown that primarily feed on plant sap, puncturing plant cells with their piercing-sucking mouthparts. As a result, clover mites can cause damage to the leaves of various garden plants.

Identifying Clover Mites

With so many other insects that are present everywhere, and sometimes clover mites are mistaken for other insects. Like for example, clover mites and springtail bugs are both small arthropods, but they are not the same. The question is, how can you be sure that you're dealing with clover mites and not the common Tennessee bugs? Well, look for clusters of tiny red-brown arachnids on your plants. Clover mites are commonly found on or around plants, usually in large clusters. They have eight legs and a distinctive reddish-brown color. When crushed, they leave behind a red smear. Unlike many other common garden pests, clover mites do not spin webs or construct shelters.

Preventative Measures

In a balanced garden ecosystem, nature often takes care of pests naturally. Some beneficial insects and arachnids, like ladybugs and predatory mites, can help control clover mite populations. By attracting and supporting these natural predators, you can reduce the need for chemical interventions.

Chemical Control

If preventative measures and natural predators aren't sufficient to manage clover mites in your Nashville garden, you may need to consider chemical control methods. However, it's essential to do this safely and responsibly. Here are some options to consider:

Insecticidal Soaps: These are a low-impact way to control clover mites. They work by suffocating the pests so they don't harm beneficial insects. Always follow the instructions on the product label.

Miticides: Specific miticides are available for clover mite control. These miticides are designed to target and eliminate clover mites effectively.  Be cautious when using them, as some can harm other beneficial arachnids.

Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural option to help manage clover mites. It interferes with their feeding and reproductive processes.

Regular Monitoring

Regardless of your chosen method, monitoring your garden regularly is essential. Frequently inspect your plants for any signs of clover mites. Early detection can make a significant difference in controlling their population. As well, as you will know when is the best time to call a professional pest control in Nashville.


So when its the best time to call a professional?


You should call a professional pest control service for clover mite problems in these situations:

Severe Damage: When clover mites have seriously harmed your garden plants.

Persistent Infestation: If your DIY efforts haven't worked, and mites keep coming back.

Large-Scale Infestation: When a big part of your garden or home is infested.

Safety Concerns: If you're worried about using chemicals safely, especially around kids and pets.

Health Issues: If clover mites cause skin irritations or allergies.

For Expert Advice: If you're unsure what to do, a professional pest exterminator can assess the situation and guide you.

Choose a reliable pest control company with eco-friendly practices to handle the issue. Don't worry about pest control cost. Investing in professional pest control can save you time, money, and stress in the long run by preventing further damage to your property and protecting your health and well-being.

By: Nida Hernandez of Growthbound Marketing