Probably one of the worst nightmare scenarios for marijuana growers can easily turn true whenever spider mites + weed flowering are involved.
However nasty and hard to get-rid-of, spider mites are not unbeatable, though.
In fact, they are among the most common pests which affect thousands of cannabis cultivators globally.
But that should not serve you as a relief or excuse of any kind.
You MUST act quickly and stay extremely persistent with the treatment you utilize, for spider mites are notoriously tough to kill with an almost zombie-resistance attitude.
And you know how zombies are described to keep creeping around even after you cut their heads off, right?
So keep that example in your mind when preparing for the battle with spider mites or they can ruin your entire crops, especially when they pop out during the flowering stage.
There’s really no time to waste, my fellow marijuana growers!
Let’s skip the shallow talk and head straight to crucial tips and guidelines on how to eliminate spider mites from your cannabis garden.
Spider Mites and Weed Flowering: Best Ways to Kill the Intruders while Keeping your Marijuana Plants Healthy
Before we get any further into listing some of the most reliable tried-and-tested spider mites remedies, first, it is crucial to understand what type of nasty maggots you are actually dealing with.
In a nutshell, spider mites can envelop your growing space whenever using traditional soil as a growing medium is involved.
With hydroponic setups, it is much more rarely the case to stumble across spider mites, however, there are still exceptions to that rule, as well.
That means nobody is safe from their ravages.
Spider mites have a never-ending appetite, they populate quickly, and they are very, very sturdy towards all kinds of treatment (yeah, that includes even strong non-organic pesticides).
Spider mites can quickly adapt to any form of treatment you are utilizing and thus, simply block the effect of anti-spider-mites weapons you use.
So what’s your best attitude when dealing with spider mites in order to eliminate them efficiently?
Be persistent
Even when you think spider mites are gone, their eggs might be just waiting patiently to be hatched.
Thus, keep applying the treatment against these highly resistant villains for at least about 1 more week or so despite the fact that you don’t seem to notice any of them left to fight with
Utilize Multiple Treatment Methods
Since spider mites can so quickly become resistant to whatever treatment you are trying to make work on them, the best (and only!) way to make them disappear is to switch from one treatment to another every 2-3 days.
Of course, organic solutions are what you are looking for, and especially when spider mites attack during the most sensitive stage – flowering.
Unfortunately, you cannot rely solely on the efficacy of all-natural treatments. That’s not how it works with those tiny lawbreakers.
Using a reliable pesticide is the most reliable weapon to make sure you will save your green beauties from getting their life (and all their potent properties) sucked out.
As a rule of thumbs, make sure you avoid spraying the buds with any type of treatment which is considered toxic.
It is not only the flavor and taste of marijuana buds which will be affected.
You cannot risk exposing your health to the chemical compounds, used for spider mites elimination.
On another note, it is important to treat the ENTIRE growing area.
That includes the soil and all of the surroundings because spider mites are just hiding and waiting to see you walk out of your marijuana garden to attack again.
Best Organic Solutions to Kill Spider Mites
When you are certain about dealing with spider mites, start taking action for eliminating them ASAP.
The fine webbing they leave behind signalizes you are already into an ongoing and quite developed spider mites attack.
Long before any webbing becomes visible, most often it is the tiny yellow-white specks spider mites leave on marijuana leaves.
Typically, spider mites and their eggs can also be commonly found underneath the leaves’ surface.
Natural predators, such as ladybugs will definitely give you a good hand in banishing spider mites.
Antibacterial soap and water solutions can also work well for before you purchase any more reliable treatments.
Nevertheless, spraying the area with an alcohol-water (1 part alcohol with 9 parts water) solution can also do the trick for first-aid in anti-spider-mites treatment.
A mixture of 1 tablespoon of bleach into 1 gallon of water is tremendously helpful for cleansing the entire affected area and surroundings but not suitable to spray directly on your plants.
Diatomaceous earth is a great means for targeting spider mites, as well because it literally dehydrates them when they get in touch.
Extra Tips on Handling Spider Mites during Flowering
Make sure the growing environment is well-ventilated. Stagnant air is a way too wonderful condition for spider mites to party and have fun.
If you have a fan or any other reliable device to blow consistently over the affected plants, spider mites won’t just disappear all of a sudden but they will immediately feel pretty much uncomfortable.
If needed, adjust the temperature and avoid overheating. Spider mites enjoy heat, as well.
Above all, don’t fall victim to panic.
You are stronger and smarter than those hungry and not-willing-to-give-up-easily maggots.
It may seem as if you are losing the battle but that doesn’t mean you are losing the war, bud-buddies.
Don’t let the mention of spider mites during weed flowering break your spirit.
Many of us have been there before, and we have survived (along with our much-dreamed and nurtured crops), so you can do this, too!
Be consistent, be persistent, act quickly – and you will save your cannabeauties.
