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Clover · Trifolium repens

What are these bugs on my Trifolium repens?

It is less common for this plant to suffer from heavy pest infestations, as it is quite hardy. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids, which are the most frequent visitors to clover.

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Check the stems for sticky residue or webbing.
  3. Inspect the soil surface for any crawling pests.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the stems and undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock the aphids off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look dusty or speckled with tiny yellow dots. You might also see fine webbing between the stems.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Find out what's wrong with your clover

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the leaves start to curl or turn yellow due to the feeding damage. A few stray bugs are usually not a threat to the plant's health.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and good air circulation to make it less attractive to pests.

Keep your clover healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil on my clover?
Yes, neem oil is safe to use on clover. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Will these bugs kill my plant?
Most infestations are minor and won't kill the plant. Just keep an eye on them and treat early if you see the population growing.

More problems with Clover

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This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.