Quck answer
Tiny red spiders on lawn furniture can be a nuisance, but there are several effective ways to get rid of them.
1. Regularly clean and vacuum your lawn furniture to remove any spider webs or eggs.
2. Use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray the affected areas. This will suffocate and kill the spiders.
3. Apply a natural spider repellent, such as peppermint or citrus essential oil, to deter spiders from returning.
4. Consider using a commercial insecticide specifically designed for spiders. Follow the instructions carefully and apply it to the affected areas.
5. To prevent future infestations, regularly inspect and clean your lawn furniture.
While enjoying the sunshine outside, you may notice a small red insect crawling on your lawn furniture. Don’t worry – these tiny red creatures are known as clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa Koch) and do not cause much harm. The most effective way to remove clover mites is by implementing preventive measures in your garden and home.
What Are Clover Mites?
Clover mites are minuscule oval-shaped red insects closely related to ticks and spiders. They have eight legs, with their two front legs being longer than the others.
Although harmless, they have a tendency to invade yards and lawn furniture. Clover mites feed on grass, clover, and other plants, so you may notice an increase in their presence on your outdoor furniture during the spring and fall seasons. They can also be found on siding or brick in sunny areas.
While they are primarily outdoor creatures, they may enter indoor spaces during seasonal changes or in extreme heat or rain conditions. Unlike ticks and certain spiders, these mites are more of a nuisance than a threat. At most, they may leave a small red mark on your furniture or wall if squashed.
Preventing Clover Mites
The best way to deal with clover mites is through prevention. One method to prevent these bothersome insects from infiltrating your lawn furniture or home is to ensure that there is no vegetation within 18 to 24 inches of your foundation. It is also recommended to create a gravel or stone barrier between your lawn and home foundation for added protection. Treating the lawn around your foundation with an insecticide can also help prevent clover mites from making your yard their habitat.
Additionally, you should inspect your home’s foundation and seal any cracks or holes that clover mites can squeeze through. Since they are attracted to moist environments, it is advisable to bring in lawn furniture cushions when it rains.
Another way to deter clover mites is by planting flowers and plants around your home that they dislike. These include geraniums, marigolds, juniper shrubs, and petunias.
Removing Clover Mites from Lawn Furniture
If preventive measures are not sufficient, there are still ways to get rid of clover mites on lawn furniture. One option is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. Afterward, dispose of the contents of the vacuum either by burning them or by responsibly disposing of them away from your home.
Clover mites can also be eliminated using residual insecticides, which come in the form of sprays, dusts, or baits. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from a pest control company to help evict these unwanted insects from your home.
