You've prepared everything perfectly: carefully selected the seeds, set up the grow kit, adjusted the lighting, taken care of watering, the plant is growing and growing – and suddenly they appear, the unwanted guests on your plants. Pests! Every hobby grower's nightmare and, unfortunately, a common reality in cannabis cultivation. But don't worry, with the right tips and tricks, you can successfully protect your plants from these little pests or effectively get rid of them.
In this article you will learn which pests are most common in home growing and what you can do to save your plants – or even better, how to prevent an infestation from the start!
Common pests
spider mites
These tiny arachnids are the bane of many growers' existence. Spider mites suck the sap from plant leaves, leaving behind their characteristic white webs. You can often recognize them by the fact that the leaves become mottled and eventually turn brown. Spider mites thrive in dry, warm conditions – exactly what your plant normally needs.
Fungus gnats
If you see small, black flies buzzing around your plants, you're probably dealing with fungus gnats. Their larvae live in moist soil and feed on the roots of your plants. While the adult flies are harmless, the larvae can seriously damage your plants by disrupting their nutrient uptake.
Aphids
These small green, yellow, or black insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of your plant, leaving behind deformed and yellowed leaves. They also excrete sticky honeydew, which promotes mold growth.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny, almost invisible insects that love to feed on the leaves of your plants. They leave silvery-shiny spots on the leaves and can transmit viruses that further weaken your plants.
Prevention is better than cure.
As they say, prevention is better than cure! With these simple measures, you can nip many pest problems in the bud:
- Control humidity : Spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Keep the humidity in your growing area between 50% and 70% to prevent their spread.
- Regular inspection : Check your plants regularly for signs of pests. The sooner you detect them, the easier they are to control.
- Clean environment : Keep your growing area clean. Remove dead leaves and ensure that standing water doesn't create the perfect breeding ground for insects.
- Ventilation and air circulation : Good ventilation not only helps your plants grow, but also deters pests. Fans ensure fresh air and prevent the spread of mold or insects.
- Use beneficial insects : Rely on the power of nature! Ladybugs and lacewings are excellent biological pest controllers that prey on aphids. There are countless beneficial insects for cannabis plants, and in our opinion, there's nothing better for preventative care. It's worth learning more – we also rely on these small, natural helpers in our cultivation facility!
Pest control – What to do when the pests are present?
Even the best precautions can't always prevent pests from infesting your plants. But don't worry, there are effective ways to save them!
How to get rid of spider mites
Rinse your plants with a water and neem oil mixture to get rid of spider mites. Make sure you also reach the undersides of the leaves. Repeat the process every few days until you no longer see any mites.
Controlling fungus gnats
You can combat fungus gnat larvae with nematodes, tiny roundworms. These helpful organisms attack the larvae in the soil and eliminate the problem at its source. Yellow sticky traps also help to catch the adult flies.
remove aphids
An old home remedy for aphids: a soapy solution made from biodegradable soap and water. Spray the affected areas, let it sit briefly, and then rinse the plants with clean water. Several applications at intervals of a few days are often necessary.
How to get rid of thrips
Neem oil or rapeseed oil-based insecticides are excellent against thrips. Additionally, set up blue sticky traps to catch the flying insects and prevent re-infestation.
Conclusion: Don't panic if you have a pest infestation!
Pests on your cannabis plant are no reason to panic. With simple preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of infestation, and if it does happen, you now have the necessary tools to act quickly. Nothing will stand in the way of a successful harvest!
Stay green and happy growing!
Your Mary Jane Team
All statements without guarantee.
Note on language usage:
For the sake of readability, we have chosen not to use gender-inclusive language in our texts. However, all genders are always addressed equally. At Marry Jane, we place great value on inclusion and equality – everyone is welcome here, regardless of gender, identity, or origin.
