Keep clover mites out for good with this simple gardening trick

are a species of mite which feeds on plants and are distantly related to other arachnids like spiders and ticks. These tiny creatures are the bane of most existence due to the damage they create for plants when they feed off their sap. Clover mites are known to cause plant leaves to turn yellow and often cause them to later drop off entirely, with large populations of clover mites often weakening plants and negatively impacting the overall health of your garden.

Many are often completely unaware they have clover mites in their gardens, but if you spot some tiny red critters scuttling about your garden furniture, it could indicate a clover mite infestation, with an added warning as they're known to "reproduce very rapidly", particularly during spring and summer months. Before racing to your nearest expert, one gardening expert shared his top tip for getting rid of clover mites in your garden.

James Ewens, gardening expert from explained: "Those minuscule red bugs are clover mites (bryobia praetiosa), and are actually a type of arachnid."

He went on to explain how they "measure about 0.75 millimetres and are smaller than a pinhead and barely visible to the naked eye".

Colour differences indicate their age, with adult mites being typically reddish-brown, or a darker brown colour, and younger ones having a "bright red hue".

Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained gardens may be privy to these critters, with the best ways to get rid of them being a hot topic.

"If you're dealing with clover mites in your garden, the most effective solution is to use an outdoor insecticide specifically formulated to target mites," said Ewens.

"Over-fertilising your lawn with nitrogen is a potential attractor for clover mites as it promotes fast-growing, lush grass that provides an abundant sap source and shelter.

"It's ironic, you want a thriving lawn and thriving plants, but this attracts these harmful tiny critters."

Ewens added how proper application is crucial when it comes to successful treatment adding how gardeners must "be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, only applying the insecticide to the areas where there's an infestation".

He added: "It's important to repeat the treatment as needed, particularly when more clover mites emerge in late summer or autumn.

"This proactive approach will help keep your garden mite-free and stop them feasting on your grass and plants in their hundreds."

Often, the best prevention for clover mites is creating unfavourable conditions, such as "keeping the grass at about three to four inches long to allow for strong root growth".

"Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to your house, as clover mites will use the branches to crawl onto any nearby structure in droves.

"Follow the rule of planting at least half the distance of the plant's mature size away from the building.

"It's also recommended to have a strip of at least three feet around the foundations of your house that's kept plant and grass-free."

Ewens further added how certain plants may also help eliminate clover mites in your garden and include "marigolds, petunias, roses, and salvia" which all offer "gardeners natural deterrent options".