Stop Pests From Destroying Cannabis Plants
Farming cannabis is not for the lighthearted. Weather patterns, local law changes and damaged crops are elements that are out of your control. While pest infestations can decimate plants, impacting your production lines and lowering yields for seasons to come, you can prevent them.
Attack a pest problem with thoughtful, coordinated intervention using the proper products and you will get rid of them.
Common Types of Plant Pests
Not all pests are bad for cannabis plants, but those that are can do serious damage to your yield, decreasing production and impacting your business. Learn which insects cause damage and how to identify them as your first step in pest prevention.
| Type of Pest | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Leaf Miner | Usually attacks outdoor plants Adult flies might leave small holes in leaves or larvae may cause brown lines |
| Spider Mites | Look for spots on leaves (yellow, red or white) Can be found indoors (grow room pest) or outdoors |
| Caterpillars | They’re big enough to be easily removed by hand Caterpillar prevention is important pest control during flowering because they can penetrate the buds |
| Ants | Can damage the root system of plants by building mounds in the surrounding soil Cinnamon can deter ants |
How To Remove Pests
Once they’re established, it’s extremely challenging to get rid of pests. The removal process will depend on whether you’re an indoor or outdoor grower and if you’re looking to stay organic or not.
If you do run into a pest problem, try these tips to get rid of them:
- Develop an aggressive daily pesticide routine (Note: you might need to increase pesticide testing if you choose this route)
- Introduce a predator, such as ladybugs, that will naturally diminish the pests over time
- Contain the outbreak by placing all infected plants in one, closed off area removed from the others. After interacting with those, never go back to healthy plants.
Prevent Pests With Routine Pest Control
By the time you discover the problem, your crops could already be in danger. While pests are an inevitable part of growing plants, preventative measures like the ones listed below can greatly reduce the duration, types and impact of pests on your cannabis plants.
- Grow room pest control is slightly different, and revolves mostly around controlling the interior conditions, including humidity and lighting.
- Choose cannabis cultivation & gardening equipment that will help to prevent and manage pests, such as:
- Personal protective equipment for employees that will be using pesticides (coveralls, face masks & respirators)
- Backpack sprayers that evenly and effectively spread pesticides
- Grow plants from seeds when possible so that you have complete control over the growing process, including pest prevention.
- Hang fly strips to discover pests before they leave markings and destroy plants.
- Prioritize pest control by caring for your plants. The healthier the plant, the easier it will be for them to fight off a pest invasion.
When managing your cannabis business there is a lot that is out of your control, but with the proper care and prevention measures, managing pests doesn’t need to be one of them. ItemGrabber Green offers a full range of products to protect your employees, plants and ultimately your business from the threats of a pest invasion.
