How to Get Rid of Thrips on Cannabis Plants

Thrips are a common menace to cannabis growers, causing significant damage to plants and reducing overall yield. As a cultivator, it is essential to understand how to identify, prevent, and eliminate these tiny pests to protect your precious crop. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the most effective strategies for dealing with thrips on cannabis plants, using natural and organic methods that are safe for both the plants and the environment.

What are Thrips?​

Thrips are small, winged insects belonging to the order Thysanoptera, with over 6,000 known species. They measure between 1-1.5mm in length, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. The most common species attacking cannabis plants is the Frankliniella occidentalis or the western flower thrips. These tiny insects feed on plant sap, causing damage to leaves, stems, and flowers.

Thrips Life Cycle​

Thrips have a short life cycle, with adults living for around 30 days. During this time, a female can lay between 80 and 300 eggs within plant tissues. Their eggs hatch within a few days, and the larvae drop to the soil, where they feed on organic matter and sometimes attack plant roots. After pupating, they emerge as adults and continue the cycle.

Identifying Thrips on Cannabis Plants​

To effectively deal with thrips, you must first learn how to identify their presence on your cannabis plants. Here are some key signs to look for:

• Small, silver or white stains on leaf surfaces, indicating feeding and egg-laying activity.
• Tiny black dots on leaves, which are thrip feces.
• Leaves becoming brittle, withering, or dying.
• Slow, deformed new growth.

Additionally, you can use yellow or blue sticky traps placed near your plants to catch adult thrips and monitor their presence in your grow area.

Preventing Thrips in Cannabis Crops​

Prevention is always better than cure, and there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of a thrip infestation in your cannabis crop.

Indoor Growing Spaces​

For indoor growers, maintaining a clean and sanitized grow area is crucial. Remove any dead plant material and ensure your grow space is free from debris. Installing insect adhesive strips can also help catch adult thrips before they lay eggs.

Outdoor Growing Spaces​

For outdoor cannabis plants, removing weeds and plant debris from around your plants can help deter thrips. Changing the substrate between crops and introducing beneficial insects, such as Amblyseius swirskii, can also prevent thrip infestations.

Natural and Organic Thrip Control Methods​

Using chemical pesticides to combat thrips may harm your plants and pose risks to your health when consumed. Instead, consider these natural and organic methods to safely and effectively eliminate thrips from your cannabis plants.

Neem Oil​

Neem oil is a popular organic pesticide that can help control thrips. Mixing neem oil with water and spraying it on your plants disrupts the feeding and breeding patterns of thrips, preventing them from causing further damage.

Potassium Soap​

Potassium soap is another natural option for controlling thrips. The fatty acids in potassium soap break down the exoskeleton of thrips, causing them to dehydrate and die. Simply mix potassium soap with water and spray it onto the affected areas of your plants.

Pyrethrin​

Pyrethrin is an organic compound derived from chrysanthemum flowers that is effective against thrips. Use pyrethrin sparingly, as it can be toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. Apply it to your plants according to the product instructions for the best results.

Spinosad​

Spinosad is an organic pesticide made from the fermentation of certain soil bacteria. It is safe for use on cannabis plants, as well as pets and children. Spinosad can be used as a topical spray or applied to the plant roots to target thrips in the soil.

Beneficial Insects​

Introducing beneficial insects, such as green lacewings, ladybugs, pirate bugs, and predatory mites, can help keep thrip populations under control. These insects feed on thrips, preventing them from damaging your cannabis plants.

Diatomaceous Earth​

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of phytoplankton. Sprinkling DE around the base of your cannabis plants can help kill thrips and prevent further infestations.

Companion Planting​

Companion planting with plants that naturally repel thrips can be an effective preventative measure. Some plants that are known to deter thrips include:

• Garlic
• Chrysanthemum
• Chives
• Catnip
• Basil

Integrating these plants into your cannabis garden can help protect your crop from thrips and other pests.

Dealing with Soil-Dwelling Thrips​

Thrips can also live in the soil, particularly during their larval stage. To eliminate thrips in the soil, you can use diatomaceous earth or spinosad as mentioned earlier. These treatments can help target thrips at all stages of their life cycle, ensuring a more effective control strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Does neem oil kill thrips?​

Yes, neem oil can effectively control and kill thrips when mixed with water and applied to affected plants.

Are thrips hard to get rid of?​

Thrips can be challenging to eliminate due to their rapid reproduction rate and ability to live in both plant and soil environments. However, using a combination of natural and organic control methods can help break their life cycle and prevent further infestations.

Will dish soap kill thrips?​

Dish soap containing fatty acids can be used as a DIY insecticidal soap to control thrips. Mixing dish soap with water and applying it to affected plants can help dissolve the exoskeleton of thrips, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Conclusion​

Thrips are a common pest that can cause significant damage to cannabis plants if left unchecked. By understanding their life cycle and implementing preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of an infestation. Using natural and organic control methods, such as neem oil, potassium soap, and beneficial insects, will help protect your plants and the environment while ensuring a healthy, bountiful harvest.