Do you have pests eating away at your cannabis crop, or are you worried that your hemp plants are at risk? In our guide, you’ll learn about the most common hemp pests and find simple solutions for keeping pests out of your cannabis plants.
Common Cannabis Pests
Not combatting pests is one of the most common mistakes that cannabis cultivators must avoid—but first, what are the pests that typically infest cannabis crops? While the THC in cannabis is a natural repellent to many insects and worms, many creatures still eat hemp.
Natural pests for cannabis include:
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Leaf miners
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Cabbage loopers
If any of these pests grows and takes hold within a cannabis crop, they can cause severe detriment to the hemp and leave the cannabis grower with a decimated crop.
How To Keep Your Hemp Pest-Free
Naturally, no cannabis grower wants pests to infiltrate their crop. If you’re worried about insects and worms attacking your cannabis, there are a few strategies that have been effective for cultivators in the past.
Feed the Soil
The best defense against pests and mold is a healthy and vibrant cannabis crop. Pests typically target plants infected with mold and other illnesses, so the first step is ensuring your cannabis is healthy and strong.
The best way to support your cannabis plant’s immune system is to feed it with a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. Fertilizers are available specifically for cannabis, but many cultivators like neem seed meal as it offers nutrients and is a natural repellent to pests. Crustacean meal is another popular fertilizer for cannabis growers.
Fight Bugs With Bugs
Sometimes to fight invading bugs, you need more bugs! A technique that many cannabis cultivators use to ward off pests involves introducing predatory insects that feed on pests but will leave the cannabis alone, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Ladybugs, for example, feed on spider mites and aphids especially, and introducing a few can quickly eradicate an aphid infestation. You can find and purchase ladybugs rather easily, and within hours, ladybugs can eradicate an aphid infestation in crops. All you must do is wet your plants, then release these high-metabolism insects when the sun goes down.
Grow Companion Plants
Another useful strategy for keeping pests off your cannabis plants is by growing companion plants that naturally repel insects and worms. Some growers claim that companion plants can increase flavor and oil production, but those are more personal anecdotes than proven science.
Pro Tip: Garlic is a popular companion plant as it protects against pests and is a natural fungicide, meaning it can prevent mold from spreading among crops.
Geraniums and marigolds are popular companion plants as they keep leaf-eating insects away. Basil is also common as its strong scent repels aphids and flies—plus, you get to grow basil for your cooking!
