Mites can cause significant damage to cannabis plants. This outdoor pest is very common, there are more than 1,200 species. Not only cannabis plants are liked by mites as well, other plants They are part of their diet. Being very small in size it is difficult to see the mites at a glance.
Mites are very common and are found in large numbers, and can appear in both
indoor and outdoor cultivation. You will often find spider mites on cannabis plants, where they can cause great damage. Generally, in greenhouse cultivation they are present en masse, and can damage entire crops. Mites are not insects but a type of arachnid, related to spiders, scorpions and ticks. These arachnids live in colonies, usually on the underside of leaves.
Cannabis mites feed by piercing the leaf tissue and sucking plant fluids. These pests are usually found in dry conditions or after the use of insecticides, since the products chemicals kill many of their natural predators. Most species of red spiders feed on plants and their high fertility means that detecting some generally indicates an infestation.
There are two types of spider mites: the southern spider mite, which is more common, and the European spider mite, which typically It is found in apple trees. Know how to identify and eliminate mites of cannabis is essential, since all species can cause damage serious damage to plants or even death.
What are cannabis mites?
These are no ordinary spiders. Red spiders have the ability to feed on plant sap and can even kill it. Their small size makes them difficult to detect until it is too late, often resulting in a full-blown infestation that can destroy the entire crop. Red spiders weave webs around the shoots and leaves, and are located on the underside of the leaves, this allows them to protect themselves and the young that are generated by eggs from other predators. The buds become completely useless with spider webs, therefore, growers when affected by these pests usually lose their crops completely.
Identifying the damage of the cannabis red spider
Some of the damages caused by cannabis red spiders are the following:
- The whitish-yellow or tan spots on leaves and needles are typical.
- Also the leaves become discolored yellow with a tan tinge.
- Distorted leaves and flowers.
- Small mobile red or white spots on the leaves.
- Random white spots on leaves.
- Leaves that look sunburned.
The mites use their piercing mouthparts to suck on the undersides of leaves and needles, causing yellow discoloration. To identify mite damage, look for white, tan, or yellow spots on leaves and small moving red or white mites. The white cottony membranes on the underside of the leaves are another sign. Severe infestations can kill garden plants or vegetables.
Examine the Leaves
Spider mites on cannabis plants suck the sap, leaving tiny, hard-to-see teeth marks. You can identify the damage using a microscope or a simple jeweler’s loupe. The leaves turn yellow, which might look like a nutrient deficiency rather than a pest attack. However, if you carefully inspect and notice webs, it is a clear sign of spider mites infesting your cannabis. Always check the undersides of the leaves where spider mites usually hide. The leaves might also appear silvery due to the webs. White dots on the leaves indicate the presence of teeth marks from spider mites.
Use a Magnifying Glass
To confirm spider mites on your cannabis plants, place a paper below the plant and gently shake it. The mites will fall onto the paper, allowing you to see them with a magnifying glass. Over time, you’ll notice webs on the leaves, and within a week, there will be holes in the leaves. It is crucial to act as soon as you see the leaves turning yellow. The plant may start shedding leaves at this stage. Do not underestimate these tiny pests; despite their small size, spider mites can cause significant damage to your cannabis plants.
How to Prevent Spider Mites on Cannabis?
Spider mites thrive in hot, humid environments, so keeping temperatures low can help deter them. Remove any plant debris from your grow room, as spider mites excel at hiding and waiting. Using natural predators like ladybugs can be very effective for outdoor cannabis plants. Most spider mites come from gardens, so change clothes before entering your grow room to prevent bringing them in. It might seem excessive, but prevention is better than dealing with an infestation later. Avoid touching clones or plants infested with spider mites to prevent them from spreading to your grow room.
The two-spotted mite, in particular, is incredibly resilient and nearly impossible to eradicate without extreme measures, so be vigilant. Always check all plants if you’re moving them from the garden into the grow room. This applies not only to spider mites but to other pests as well. Investing in a good magnifying glass is crucial for spotting and killing mites as soon as they appear on your cannabis plants.
1- Ensure plants are well-nourished to prevent spider mites on cannabis. Stressed plants are more susceptible to spider mites, so it’s crucial to keep them adequately watered, in healthy soil, and receiving optimal light.
2- Dust your cannabis plants regularly. Periodically dust the leaves and branches to help prevent spider mites. In dry, dusty conditions, spider mites become more thirsty and can cause greater damage to your cannabis plants if you create such an environment.
3- Monitor for spider mites on cannabis by looking for eggs. A single treatment is usually not enough to eliminate spider mites completely. In warm weather, spider mites lay eggs continuously, making it crucial to manage and repeat treatments to minimize or eradicate their population. Regularly spray your cannabis plants with water and prune leaves if you spot any eggs (tiny white specks on the underside of leaves) or mites. Additionally, ensuring proper air circulation around the plant can be beneficial.
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites on Cannabis Organically
Spider Mites on Cannabis: Tiny, sap-sucking pests, spider mites can be tough to eliminate. Here’s an organic approach:
- Isolate the Plant: Immediately move the infected cannabis plant away from others to prevent the spread of spider mites.
- Prune the Plant: Once isolated, prune infested stems, leaves, and parts of the plant, disposing of them in the trash—not compost. Remove all webbing to prevent further spread.
- Spray with Water: Use a high-pressure water hose to spray the plant, dislodging and killing some spider mites. For indoor plants, use a wet sponge or take the plant outside for spraying. Repeat as necessary.
- Introduce Natural Predators: Utilize natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites to control spider mite populations. Release them when mite levels are low, ensuring they suit the plant and season.
- Create a Soap Spray: Mix two tablespoons of gentle soap, one to two tablespoons of cooking oil, and a gallon of water. Spray the cannabis plant thoroughly every four to seven days until the mites are gone. Test a small area first to avoid leaf damage.
- Use Hot Pepper Spray: Combine one teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, a quart of warm water, and a few drops of liquid dish detergent. Let it sit overnight, strain, and spray on the underside of leaves. Test on a small portion first.
- Apply Oil Solutions: Essential oils like neem, eucalyptus, lemon, cinnamon, peppermint, rosemary, chrysanthemum, and thyme can kill and prevent spider mites. Mix 10 to 20 milliliters of essential oil in half a liter of lukewarm water. Spray the plant, ensuring proper dilution to avoid damage.
Benefits of Organic Treatment: Organic methods prevent the killing of beneficial insects and avoid pesticide resistance, ensuring a healthier cannabis plant. Female spider mites can lay up to 300 eggs over a few weeks, so ongoing natural control is essential.
Alien OG Fast Version
Alien OG Fast Version is a highly potent hybrid cannabis strain, derived from Tahoe OG and Alien Kush. This indica-dominant variety showcases some of California’s finest genetics. With THC levels reaching an impressive 14 – 16%, Alien OG is known for its complex terpene profile and rich aroma. Due to its robust genetics, this strain is a delight to cultivate, yielding excellent results both indoors and outdoors.
Alien OG Fast Version is renowned for its pungent aroma, often requiring double-bagging to contain its strong scent. The dense, frosty indica buds emit a tangy lemon fragrance mixed with refreshing pine notes. When inhaled, it has a citrusy flavor reminiscent of tart lemon pie, followed by herbal pine aromas on the exhale. Alien OG Fast Version delivers powerful effects, providing an uplifting, almost psychedelic cerebral high that gradually transitions into a relaxing, full-body stone lasting for hours.
Thanks to its premium genetics, Alien OG Fast Version is a versatile hybrid, thriving both indoors and outdoors. It can withstand cool, dry conditions and resist most pests, including spider mites on cannabis plants. It’s essential to monitor RH levels during the final weeks of flowering to prevent moisture buildup in the dense buds. Alien OG Fast Version has a flowering period of 8–10 weeks and can yield up to 1.47 – 1.64 oz/ft² indoors and 21 – 31 oz/plant outdoor.
Orange Cream
Orange Cream Auto is a delightful strain with a mouth-watering flavor, making it an excellent choice for pairing with tropical fruits or freshly squeezed juices. A cross between Orange and autoflowering Strain, this hybrid strain delivers a stimulating cerebral effect. Whether you enjoy skating in the afternoons or hiking on weekends, Orange Cream Auto enhances these experiences by boosting your mental energy.
This strain yields bountiful harvests both indoors and outdoors, with flowers that develop an above-average amount of resin. By the end of the flowering phase, its sparkling trichomes will captivate your senses. Additionally, Orange Cream Auto is known for its resistance to common cannabis pests, including spider mites, making it a reliable option for growers looking to maintain a healthy crop.
Orange Cream Auto plants typically reach medium height and are known for their robustness and easy cultivation, making them suitable for both novice and experienced growers. The flowering time is relatively short, usually around 8-10 weeks, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the growing season. Its buds are dense and covered in a thick layer of resin, emitting a sweet citrus aroma that is as invigorating as its effects.
This strain also boasts a well-balanced cannabinoid profile, with moderate THC levels that provide an uplifting high without overwhelming the user. The combination of terpenes found in Orange Cream Auto not only enhances its flavor but also contributes to its pest-resistant properties, particularly against spider mites, a common issue for cannabis cultivators. Whether you’re growing indoors in a controlled environment or outdoors in a garden, Orange Cream Auto promises a rewarding and flavorful harvest.
Fire OG
Fire OG is an Indica-dominant hybrid that many consider the most potent OG Kush strain available. Due to its strength, it’s not recommended for novice users, or they should limit themselves to a few hits to experience this fiery strain. Opening a jar of Fire OG releases a pleasant blend of citrus, wood, and spice aromas, which are mirrored in its taste, along with an herbal undertone. This classic strain is highly sought after by kush enthusiasts.
Users typically experience an immediate cerebral rush that stimulates creativity and induces euphoria. This is followed by a powerful, relaxing body high that can leave those with lower tolerances couch-locked or asleep. Depending on individual tolerance, the effects can last up to three hours. Common side effects include cottonmouth and dry eyes, with some users also reporting paranoia, dizziness, or anxiety.
Fire OG is often recommended for afternoon and evening use, especially for those dealing with insomnia. Its body high can make even severe chronic pain more manageable, leading to its frequent prescription for pain relief. The cerebral effects help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, and for some users, it can also reduce nausea and combat various eating disorders.
For growers, it is essential to keep in mind that Fire OG can resist mites, although we make it clear that it is not immortal against them. Therefore, regular monitoring and preventive measures are recommended to protect your cannabis plants from these pests.