Recognise the most common cannabis pests early and control them effectively. Spider mites, thrips, aphids and more.
Recognising and combating cannabis pests early prevents crop losses:
**Spider mites (most common pest)**
*Recognition:*
- Small yellow/white dots on leaves
- Fine cobwebs on the undersides of leaves
- In case of heavy infestation: bronze colouring of the leaves
*Control:*
- Neem oil spray (2-3x weekly)
- Increase air humidity (>60%)
- Use predatory mites as beneficial insects
- Remove infested leaves
**Thrips**
*Recognition:*
- Silvery spots and black dots on leaves
- Small, elongated insects (1-2mm)
- Upper leaf surface becomes light/yellow
*Control:*
- Hang up blue boards
- Neem oil or soft soap solution
- Use predatory bugs
- Quarantine new plants
**Aphids**
*Recognition:*
- Green, black or white small insects
- Sticky honeydew residue
- Curled, yellow leaves
*Control:*
- Ladybirds as natural enemies
- Soapsuds spray
- Neem oil treatment
- Cut off infested shoots
**Mourning gnats**
*Recognition:*
- Small black flies around pots
- Larvae in the soil (white, 5mm)
- Feeding damage to roots
*Control:*
- Set up yellow boards
- Allow soil to dry on the surface
- Quartz sand as mulch
- SF nematodes against larvae
**Preventive measures:**
- Clean grow environment
- Optimise air circulation
- Quarantine new plants
- Regular inspection with a magnifying glass
- No overwatering
Spider mites cause yellow or white spots on the leaves and may leave fine webs on plant parts. Check the undersides of the leaves for small, moving spots.
Thrips can be controlled using neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Be sure to repeat the treatment regularly and spray the plants thoroughly.
Aphids can be controlled with a mixture of water and soap or by using beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Be sure to treat the plants thoroughly and keep the area clean.
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