Bugs...
At some stage all indoor growers will suffer some sort of bug infestation, hopefully this quick guide will keep you bug-free and your plants healthy.
Most bugs that infect Cannabis plants cannot fly. They are accidentally introduced to the grow room by us, the growers... but with a few simple steps and a bit of common sense we can reduce the risk of infestation.
Pots...
Most of us keep our pots outside in a shed/greenhouse. Bugs will crawl all over the pots outside so when we bring the pots in to use we unwittingly bring the bugs indoors.
Pots should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before bringing them indoors... A kettle of boiling water and/or a diluted bleach spray will kill off any bugs.
Compost...
As with the pots, bags of compost stored outdoors will attract bugs.
Try to make sure opened bags are kept as sealed as possible. Keeping bags of compost in a black rubbish bag will also help to keep the bugs off.
Pets...
Dogs, cats and other pets that regularly go outside can bring mites and other bugs into the house.
Keeping all pets well away from your grow room will lessen the risk of infestation.
Other plants...
Bringing in any plants that have been outside will almost certainly bring bugs into the home. Even flowers that the wife has picked and put in vases is a big risk.
If a plant has been growing outside leave it there, or risk all sorts of bugs!
Us....
By far the main reason we get mites, thrips and other bugs in the grow room is due to us, the grower. Bugs and bug larvae stick to our hands, clothes and shoes... before we know it we've introduced them to the grow room without even realising it.
If you've been out in the garden enjoying the sunshine make sure you wash your hands and preferably change clothes before going anywhere near your plants.
Other bits and bobs...
With a bit of common sense it's possible to keep a clean, bug-free room.
Make sure all of the bits and bobs you use in the grow room, like watering cans, secatuers, bean-sticks etc are cleaned thoroughly before use.
It's impossible to guarantee a bug-free room, and at some stage most of us will suffer the problem, but using the advice above will greatly reduce the chances of an infestation.
Also, between grows it's always a good idea to empty your grow room and give it a good clean out with anti-bac wipes or a diluted bleach spray. The same applies to all of your fans and equipment.
Keep things clean and sterile and bugs should not be a problem!
Happy growing!
Bookmarks