Protect Marijuana Plants from Bugs and Large Pests

Leaf Miners

Leaf miners are named that because they dig through the leaves on a plant, taking essential nutrients and damaging the leaves. They can be spotted by looking for white or brown streaks along the top of leaves. The larvae may also be planted under the leaves and will burrow inside the plant after they are born. The only way to get rid of leaf miners is to find them on the plant and squash them.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are commonly found in the more hidden parts of the plant, like where the branches attach to the stem. A few of them aren’t going to be an issue, but if the population gets to be too big, they can damage marijuana plants. Ants can be a sign they’re around, as ants eat the pests that eat mealybugs. If they are found, pull them off the plant and use lemon juice as a natural deterrent.

Snails and Slugs

Snails and slugs can often be noticed by the trails they leave behind. They enjoy marijuana plants and can end up causing quite a bit of damage to the plants. A common method to get rid of them is to pour a little bit of beer around the plants or to use salt around the plants. A more natural way to keep populations down is to create ponds or water features that will attract frogs.

Deer

Deer are a common issue for gardeners in Iowa and much of the east-coast as they love eating plants. They don’t really like mature marijuana plants, but they do enjoy eating younger plants. In most cases, they’ll eat the entire plant, leaving just the roots behind. The best option to keep them away is a sturdy fence, though motion-detecting lights, as well as various scents, can help keep deer away from cannabis plants. One method many gardeners use is to spray urine from a predator, as the deer will avoid the whole area once they smell it.

Gophers and Moles

Gophers and moles won’t eat cannabis plants, and they will eat some insects that would damage the plants. However, left alone, they can end up damaging the roots for the plants, if not pulling the whole plant into their tunnel. Encouraging natural predators like hawks can help, as can using a garlic oil in the area. Another way to get rid of them is to set traps for them and have them removed and relocated when they are caught.

Rats and Mice

Rats and mice can eat marijuana plants if there isn’t anything better around, or they may chew on the plants to control their growing teeth. They might not be easy to spot, but proper prevention can ensure they are kept far away from marijuana plants to help prevent issues. Encouraging predators like birds can help keep the rat and mice population down, but traps may be needed in some cases. Local authorities can advise on the proper type of traps and how to handle rats and mice in the yard.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor growing can offer a ton of benefits, but there is always the potential for pests. Keeping a close eye on your feminized plants and inspecting them regularly can help you spot potential pests before they cause serious damage and enable you to get rid of them quickly. Use the information here to keep an eye out for any potential pests, whether it’s larger animals in Vermont or tiny bugs in Northern Washington, so your marijuana plants are protected. This way you will be able to get a fantastic harvest from your American seeds at the end of the season.