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Clover · Trifolium

How do I get rid of bugs on my clover?

Pests on clover are usually aphids or spider mites that hide under the leaves. Check the undersides of the foliage for tiny insects or webbing.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the leaflets.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on the stems and new growth. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Most likely

    How to tell: Fine, dusty webbing appears between the leaves or stems. The leaves might look speckled or lose their vibrant color.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

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

If the leaves are turning yellow or dropping off, the infestation is severe. Small numbers of pests are manageable with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper water and light, and inspect new growth weekly for signs of insects.

Clover: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your clover and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a very mild castile soap diluted in water.
Do I need to isolate my clover?
Yes, move it away from other plants to prevent the pests from spreading. Keep it isolated until you are sure the bugs are gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Clover

Back to the Clover guide

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