Clover mites love to hang out in yards nibbling on grass and plants. While they don’t usually cause any harm, they can be a nuisance if they enter your home in large numbers. The good news is that there are plants that don’t attract these mites. Check out which plants can help keep these tiny, red pests away.
Geraniums
Geraniums are colorful flowers that come in a variety of shades. They won’t attract clover mites, and they are known to repel other pests too. Geraniums can be used as a bedding plant or placed in a container or hanging basket. They do best when exposed to sunlight for 6-8 hours daily. It’s best to plant these in well-draining soil after the chance of frost has passed. Geraniums have fragrant leaves, and species are often named after their scent.
Roses
Many people enjoy having roses in their garden, but clover mites aren’t fond of them. Roses thrive in sunny locations where they can receive 6 hours of sunlight every day. They need moist soil, but they won’t do well in standing water. When planting roses, make sure to choose a spot where they will be protected from the wind. Overcrowding roses can hinder airflow and lead to a variety of plant diseases.
Petunias
Petunias work well as border plants or in containers. These trumpet-shaped flowers can be found in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. They need plenty of sunshine and well-draining soil to succeed. Petunias can handle cooler weather but won’t do well with frost. Not only will they be unattractive to clover mites, they can also repel other pests like aphids and tomato hornworms.
Chrysanthemums
If you’re looking for a fall plant, chrysanthemums are a great option. When planted in spring, they’ll bloom later in summer and fall. These flowers can be orange, purple, red, pink, white, and yellow. Chrysanthemums don’t do well in standing water, so well-drained soil is necessary. These flowers will also deter pests, like ticks and ants, from hanging out in your yard.
Arborvitae
Arborvitae plants range from small shrubs to very tall trees with varying shapes. Arborvitae species tend to have needle-like leaves with green and gold hues. Many also display rosebud-shaped cones. They can be planted throughout the year but thrive when planted in fall. They need 6 hours of sunlight daily and soil with good drainage. These plants do best in areas that are cool and dry.
Spruces
Spruce plants aren’t a favorite of clover mites. Like arborvitae, spruce plants range in size and shape, which will give you plenty of options for your yard. If you’re looking for a smaller shrub, the bird’s nest spruce is one option. It can be planted in a container or straight in the ground. Some spruce plants produce noticeable cones while others don’t. They do well in cooler climates and need soil that is moist but also has good drainage.
Juniper
Juniper trees and bushes aren’t known to attract clover mites. These plants are members of the cypress family. They have needle-like leaves of varying shades of green and gold. They prefer areas with full sun exposure. However, some species like a little bit of shade in warmer climates. Like the others on this list, juniper plants need to be planted in well-draining soil. Planting these during mild weather in fall and spring will yield the best results.
Adding a few of these plants to your yard can help discourage clover mites from sticking around. You can also take your preventative treatment a step further with the help of natural plant essential oils. When correctly combined, plant essential oils can be an effective, environmentally and family-friendly solution for pest problems. You can find these oils in our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.