CANNABIS AND LEAFHOPPERS: HOW TO PROTECT CANNABIS FROM THESE PESTS?

Cannabis is a big hit, and not just among people. Deer, birds, moles, squirrels and raccoons are just some of the many animals that make life miserable for outdoor growers, while insects and smaller pests infest both outdoor and indoor growing spaces. If you find that there are mole crickets hopping around on your cannabis plants, it is not a disaster, but it is still best to get rid of them. This article will look at how to get rid of leafhoppers and how to possibly prevent them from doing any damage to your cannabis plants.

What are cannabis leafhoppers?

Leafhoppers are tiny insects that live and feed on cannabis plants. There are at least 20,000 different species of crickets, which can vary in a variety of ways, from monochrome to striped. Their coloration can be bright red, green, yellow, blue, pink, turquoise, purple, brown and even black.

However, there are some similarities between the species by which they can be recognised:

• six legs, the back two may be hidden under the body,
• hairy hind legs that allow them to jump,
• aslender and wedge-shaped body,
• wings that lie flattened on the torso,
• two eyes on the top of the head,
• short antennae,
• when they move, they appear to glide sideways. These pests appear to move in a similar way to crabs. It is these movements of the crab that are one of the best ways to distinguish the crickets from other insects.

Grasshoppers vs. locusts: what's the difference between them?

Grasshoppers are similar to locusts, yet different from them. Grasshoppers have incisors and cause damage to plants by biting holes in them. Grasshoppers have stingers and damage plants by sucking plant sap from the leaves. Grasshoppers are much larger than shrews. This is the easiest way to tell them apart. Grasshoppers can be up to several centimetres long, whereas the crossbills are no more than one centimetre long.

Symptoms of cannabis plant infestation by grasshoppers

Probably the biggest sign of a cannabis plant infestation is that you can see them scurrying around the plant. Damage to cannabis plants by cruciferous insects depends on the specific species of these insects, but they include:

• Sticky slime on the leaves,
• small black spots on the leaves from excrement,
• white spots on the leaves,
• yellowish, brown or dry leaves.

It is important to remember that leafhoppers do not bite holes in the leaves, but only leave various marks on the leaf surface.

How to get rid of leafhoppers on cannabis?

The good news is that leafhoppers are not such a serious threat when growing cannabis. Even when they do appear on plants, they are usually not strong enough to destroy the plant completely. Moreover, the damage they cause is minimal compared to other pests. But they still need to be gotten rid of. There are a number of ways to eradicate chalkbrood.

Regular checking of the leaves

The best way to prevent a leafhopper infestation is to detect them as early as possible. Leafhoppers usually appear in very dry weather and when water is scarce. Therefore, pay extra attention to checking the condition of your cannabis plants during the dry season. Be sure to look carefully under the leaves, as they will try to hide from you and will often slide down the leaves to the opposite side so that you cannot see them.

Using nimbus oil

Nimba oil is another effective remedy for controlling chinch bugs. When treating flowering plants, this oil leaves an unpleasant odor, so prevent this product from getting near the canes. There is also evidence that nimbus oil can be harmful to humans, so use it with great caution. You should use appropriate protective equipment when applying it and keep children and pets away.

Use of beneficial insects

Using beneficial insects such as beetles, ladybirds and spiders is also a good option. However, even if you place ladybugs in your garden to eliminate the pests, they will usually fly away after a few days.

How can I prevent the occurrence of ladybirds on cannabis?

Although prevention against leafhoppers is somewhat difficult, it can be a good way to avoid this danger altogether.

Planting companion plants

Growing companion plants close to cannabis can be an attractive alternative for crucifers. While this does not completely eliminate the risk of cannabis plants becoming infested, it is much less likely to cause a more serious problem.

Covering plants with a protective cover

The best way to save money and protect your plants at the same time is to make your own plant guard. A plant guard prevents insects and pests from scurrying around your cannabis plants without blocking sunlight or restricting airflow.

Prevent mole cricket infestations before it's too late

In most cases, leafhoppers do not pose a serious threat tocannabis plants. However, they can cause damage and their presence is not welcome. Following the advice in this article should help you get rid of crucifers on your cannabis plants.

Don't be intimidated by the pests, get on with growing cannabis. Get some cannabis seeds with up to 1% THC and get going!