Growing can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is dealing with pests that can damage your plants and reduce your yield. In this blog post, let’s explore the top four pests that commonly affect marijuana plants and discuss the top three ways to treat each pest, complete with specific measurements.
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause significant damage to marijuana plants. They reproduce quickly and can be difficult to control once they’ve established a presence.
Top Treatments:
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture thoroughly on the affected plants, ensuring to cover the undersides of the leaves.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
- Insecticidal Soap:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water.
- Spray the solution directly onto the spider mites and affected areas of the plant.
- Apply every 4-7 days, as needed.
- Predatory Mites:
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) at a rate of 5-10 mites per plant.
- Ensure the growing environment is favorable for the predatory mites to thrive.
- Monitor the population and reintroduce as necessary.
2. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can weaken plants and transmit diseases.
Top Treatments:
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves.
- Apply every 7 days until the infestation is controlled.
- Homemade Garlic Spray:
- Blend 2 bulbs of garlic with 1 quart of water and let it steep overnight.
- Strain the mixture and add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap.
- Spray the solution on the infested plants every 4-5 days.
- Beneficial Insects:
- Release ladybugs or lacewings at a rate of 10-20 insects per plant.
- Ensure they have a suitable environment to stay and feed on the aphids.
- Repeat as necessary to keep the aphid population in check.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting.
Top Treatments:
- Yellow Sticky Traps:
- Place yellow sticky traps around your plants to catch adult whiteflies.
- Use one trap per plant or every 2-3 feet in your grow space.
- Replace traps as they become full.
- Insecticidal Soap:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap with 1 quart of water.
- Spray the solution on the affected plants, focusing on the undersides of leaves.
- Apply every 3-4 days until the whiteflies are controlled.
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the infested plants, ensuring to cover the undersides of the leaves.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
4. Thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on plant tissue, causing silvery streaks and spots on leaves.
Top Treatments:
- Spinosad Spray:
- Mix 4 tablespoons of spinosad with 1 gallon of water.
- Spray the solution on the affected plants, covering all surfaces.
- Apply every 7-10 days until the thrips are controlled.
- Blue Sticky Traps:
- Place blue sticky traps around your plants to catch adult thrips.
- Use one trap per plant or every 2-3 feet in your grow space.
- Replace traps as they become full.
- Neem Oil Spray:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Spray the mixture on the infested plants, ensuring to cover all surfaces.
- Repeat every 5-7 days until the infestation is under control.
Pest control is a crucial aspect of successful marijuana growing. By understanding the common pests and their treatment options, you can protect your plants and ensure a healthy harvest. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to keeping pest populations under control. Happy growing!