Cannabis Pests Chart
Cannabis Pest Identification
Swipe to explore common cannabis pests and treatment options
Spider Mites
Tetranychidae family
Identification
Tiny arachnids that appear as moving dots on leaf undersides. Look for fine webbing on plants and yellow/white stippling on leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can quickly devastate crops if left untreated.
Treatment Options
- Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
- Increase humidity to 60-70%
- Remove heavily infested leaves
Aphids
Aphidoidea superfamily
Identification
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. Colors vary from green to black, red, or white. They produce sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold growth and transmit plant viruses.
Treatment Options
- Spray off with strong water stream
- Apply neem oil or pyrethrin-based sprays
- Release ladybugs or lacewings
- Use yellow sticky traps for monitoring
Thrips
Thysanoptera order
Identification
Tiny, slender insects that move quickly when disturbed. Adults are usually yellow or brown with fringed wings. They cause silver or bronze streaking on leaves and can transmit plant viruses. Particularly damaging during flowering stage.
Treatment Options
- Apply spinosad or neem oil sprays
- Use blue sticky traps for monitoring
- Introduce predatory mites (Amblyseius species)
- Remove affected flowers and debris
Whiteflies
Aleyrodidae family
Identification
Small white flying insects that flutter when plants are disturbed. They congregate on leaf undersides and produce honeydew. Eggs and nymphs are found in circular patterns on leaves. Can quickly multiply in warm conditions.
Treatment Options
- Use yellow sticky traps near plant canopy
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Introduce Encarsia formosa wasps
- Vacuum flying adults in morning
Fungus Gnats
Sciaridae family
Identification
Small dark flies hovering around soil surface. Larvae are white or transparent with black heads, living in moist soil. They feed on fungi and organic matter but can damage roots, especially in seedlings and clones.
Treatment Options
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Apply BTI (mosquito dunks) to soil
- Use yellow sticky traps at soil level
- Add sand or perlite layer on soil surface
Caterpillars/Budworms
Lepidoptera larvae
Identification
Various moth and butterfly larvae that chew through leaves and bore into buds. Look for irregular holes in leaves, dark droppings (frass), and silk webbing. Budworms are particularly destructive as they eat buds from inside out.
Treatment Options
- Hand-pick and remove caterpillars
- Apply BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray
- Use spinosad for severe infestations
- Install insect netting during moth season
Russet Mites
Aculops cannabicola
Identification
Microscopic mites invisible to naked eye. Symptoms include yellowing starting from bottom of plant, bronze or russet coloring on stems and leaves, and stunted growth. Often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies. Require magnification to confirm.
Treatment Options
- Apply sulfur-based miticides
- Use neem oil or essential oil sprays
- Remove and destroy infected plant material
- Maintain proper air circulation
Complete Guide to Cannabis Pests and Their Management
Cannabis cultivation, whether indoor or outdoor, faces constant challenges from various pests that can devastate crops if left unchecked. Understanding these threats and implementing effective control strategies is essential for maintaining healthy plants and maximizing yields. This comprehensive guide explores the most common cannabis pests and provides proven methods for prevention and treatment.
Understanding the Threat
Pest infestations can strike at any stage of cannabis growth, from seedling to harvest. The warm, humid conditions that cannabis plants thrive in also create ideal environments for many pests. Early detection and swift action are crucial, as pest populations can explode exponentially, turning a minor problem into a crop-destroying catastrophe within days.
Most Common Cannabis Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites represent perhaps the most notorious threat to cannabis cultivation. These microscopic arachnids, typically measuring less than 1mm, feed on plant cells by piercing leaves and extracting their contents. Initial signs include tiny yellow or white spots on leaves, progressing to bronze discoloration and eventual leaf death. In severe infestations, fine webbing appears between branches and across buds.
Spider mites reproduce rapidly, with females laying up to 20 eggs daily. Under optimal conditions, their lifecycle completes in just 8-10 days, allowing populations to double every few days. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can develop resistance to pesticides quickly.
Aphids
These soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth, stem joints, and leaf undersides. Aphids pierce plant tissue to feed on sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and wilt. They excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that promotes sooty mold growth and attracts ants. Aphids reproduce both sexually and asexually, with some species producing live young without mating, enabling rapid population growth.
Beyond direct damage, aphids serve as vectors for plant viruses, making their control particularly important. They come in various colors including green, black, red, and white, with winged forms appearing when colonies become overcrowded.
Fungus Gnats
While adult fungus gnats are merely nuisances, their larvae pose serious threats to cannabis roots. These small, dark flies lay eggs in moist soil, where larvae feed on organic matter and root hairs. Damaged roots struggle to uptake water and nutrients, stunting plant growth and increasing susceptibility to root diseases.
Fungus gnats indicate overwatering or poor drainage, as they require consistently moist soil for reproduction. Their presence often signals underlying cultivation issues that need addressing beyond pest control alone.
Thrips
Thrips are slender insects that rasp plant tissue and feed on released fluids. Their feeding creates distinctive silver or bronze streaks on leaves, along with small, dark droppings. Thrips can transmit plant viruses and their damage reduces photosynthetic capacity, impacting overall plant vigor and yield.
These pests are particularly challenging because they pupate in soil, making complete eradication difficult. They reproduce rapidly in warm conditions and can develop pesticide resistance.
Whiteflies
Resembling tiny white moths, whiteflies congregate on leaf undersides where they feed on plant sap. Like aphids, they produce honeydew and can transmit plant diseases. Infested plants exhibit yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Whiteflies are particularly problematic in greenhouse environments where their natural predators are absent.
Caterpillars and Budworms
Various moth and butterfly larvae feed on cannabis leaves and, more destructively, bore into developing buds. Budworms are especially damaging during flowering, as they tunnel through buds from within, causing rot and mold. Their presence often goes unnoticed until significant damage occurs, making prevention and early detection critical.
Prevention Strategies
Environmental Controls
Maintaining optimal growing conditions represents the first line of defense against pests. Temperature regulation between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and humidity levels of 40-50% during flowering discourage many pest species. Proper air circulation through fans and ventilation systems prevents stagnant conditions that pests favor.
Indoor growers should install fine mesh screens over intake vents to prevent pest entry. Quarantine new plants for at least two weeks before introducing them to your grow space. Regular cleaning and sanitization of grow areas, tools, and containers eliminate pest hiding spots and interrupt breeding cycles.
Companion Planting
Integrating pest-repelling plants creates natural barriers against infestations. Basil deters aphids and whiteflies while improving terpene production in nearby cannabis. Peppermint repels aphids and cabbage loopers, though it requires containment due to aggressive growth. Lavender attracts beneficial insects while repelling moths and fleas.
Marigolds deserve special mention for their pest-fighting properties. They repel aphids, whiteflies, and other insects while their roots release compounds toxic to soil-dwelling pests. Plant them around garden perimeters or between cannabis rows for maximum protection.
Regular Monitoring
Implement systematic inspection routines, examining plants thoroughly at least twice weekly. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe to check leaf undersides, stem joints, and new growth for early signs of infestation. Yellow sticky traps placed throughout the grow space serve dual purposes: monitoring pest populations and capturing flying insects.
Document observations in a grow journal, noting any changes in plant appearance or pest sightings. This record helps identify patterns and evaluate treatment effectiveness over time.
Treatment Methods
Organic Solutions
Neem oil stands as the cornerstone of organic pest management. This botanical extract disrupts insect hormone systems, preventing feeding, mating, and egg-laying. Mix 2 tablespoons per gallon of water with a few drops of dish soap as an emulsifier. Apply as a foliar spray every 3-7 days, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Insecticidal soaps offer immediate knockdown of soft-bodied insects through membrane disruption. These potassium-based soaps are safe for beneficial insects once dry and break down quickly without residue. Apply thoroughly to affected areas, ensuring complete coverage of pest populations.
Diatomaceous earth provides mechanical pest control through microscopic sharp edges that damage insect exoskeletons, causing dehydration. Dust plants lightly or create barriers around pots. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth only, reapplying after watering or rain.
Essential oil sprays harness natural plant defenses against pests. Rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oils show efficacy against various cannabis pests. Mix 10-15 drops per quart of water with an emulsifier, testing on small areas first to ensure plant tolerance.
Biological Controls
Beneficial insects offer sustainable, long-term pest management. Ladybugs consume up to 60 aphids daily, while their larvae are even more voracious. Release them at dusk in enclosed spaces to prevent immediate dispersal.
Predatory mites specifically target spider mites without harming plants. Species like Phytoseiulus persimilis aggressively hunt spider mites at all life stages. Maintain moderate humidity levels to support their activity.
Green lacewing larvae, nicknamed "aphid lions," devour aphids, thrips, mites, and small caterpillars. They're particularly effective in greenhouse environments where they can complete their lifecycle.
Parasitic wasps, despite their intimidating name, are harmless to humans but deadly to pest populations. Different species target specific pests, laying eggs inside or on host insects. The developing wasp larvae consume the host from within, providing ongoing population control.
Chemical Controls
When organic methods prove insufficient, targeted chemical interventions may become necessary. Pyrethrin-based insecticides, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, offer broad-spectrum control with relatively low toxicity to mammals. However, they're highly toxic to aquatic life and beneficial insects, requiring careful application.
Spinosad, produced by soil bacteria, effectively controls caterpillars and thrips while showing lower toxicity to beneficial insects than many alternatives. It works through ingestion and contact, providing 7-10 days of residual activity.
Always follow label instructions precisely, respecting pre-harvest intervals to ensure consumer safety. Rotate between different chemical classes to prevent resistance development. Never apply chemical pesticides during flowering unless specifically labeled for such use.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Successful pest control requires combining multiple strategies rather than relying on single solutions. IPM emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and graduated responses to pest pressure. Start with least-toxic methods, escalating only when necessary.
Establish action thresholds - pest levels that trigger intervention. Some pest presence is tolerable and even beneficial for building plant resistance. Document all treatments and their outcomes to refine your approach over time.
Consider the grow cycle stage when selecting treatments. What's appropriate during vegetative growth may be unsuitable during flowering. Always prioritize consumer safety and product quality over aggressive pest elimination.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After controlling an infestation, focus on plant recovery. Remove heavily damaged leaves to redirect energy toward new growth. Provide optimal nutrition through balanced feeding, as stressed plants are more susceptible to reinfestation.
Boost plant immunity with silicon supplements, which strengthen cell walls against pest penetration. Kelp extracts provide trace minerals and growth hormones that accelerate recovery. Maintain vigilance, as weakened plants may attract opportunistic pests.
Conclusion
Effective cannabis pest management requires knowledge, vigilance, and adaptive strategies. By understanding pest biology, implementing preventive measures, and responding appropriately to threats, growers can maintain healthy, productive plants. Remember that complete pest elimination is rarely achievable or necessary - the goal is maintaining populations below damaging thresholds while preserving beneficial organisms and product quality. Through integrated approaches combining cultural, biological, and when necessary, chemical controls, sustainable pest management becomes achievable for cannabis cultivators at any scale.
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