Aphids were first discovered on cannabis earlier 2016 in the north America and since then has spread all over the farms in the states. But how do you know if that is the pest taking cannabis garden? Aphids are sneaky and off traffic little beasties. They can appear, breed constantly and destroy your flowers, veggies as well as trees before you decide to ever know there is a problem. Aphids are common garden pest that can have detrimental effects on your cannabis growth
Identifying Aphids
Aphids are of several species but black fly and greenfly are most common and popularly known. These insects are well known for their soft body lengthen 1-5mm however destructible to plants in the garden or forest irrespective of their size. Other species of aphid include brown, yellow, and red and all have nearly same body shape and structure such as cornice, pear shaped physique. Although small, but grows fast feasting on the sap from plant. The process requires the insect to pierce the phloem and draw out sap juices flowing through the plant, however leaving harmful disease on the plant which might kill the plant later.
Prevention of aphids on cannabis plants
Preventing Aphids can be done in two ways; hygienic method being the first and quick response to pest threat in the garden. Hygienic method involves you have a clean and well-maintained garden, tilling and cleaning tools after use. However, the best prevention and control of aphids is to add natural predators to your garden, here are few tested and trusted predators.
Ladybugs
Aphids are prey to Ladybugs, introducing ladybugs to your garden could be tedious but very effective and a wise decision to getting rid of aphids. An alternative to attract ladybugs to your garden is having milfoil, however, this is considered a long process compared to buying ladybugs from a gardening shop.
Pyrethrum Plant
Pyrethrum plant is well known for its natural production of insecticide on its leaves and stem, therefore having the plant on your garden automatically prevent aphids and another pest. The plant is of many varieties and beautifies your garden.
Best Aphid Controls
There are several ways to control and kill aphids, however their level of effectiveness is quite different. Here are few common ways to get rid of various types of aphids.
Soapy Water
Soapy water is a well-known method to get rid of aphids, this process is quite simple and is DIY; just dilute a soapy liquid with water and spray directly on your plants. Although, this isn’t organic due to chemical in the soap but its more advisable than insecticides.
Hoverflies
Just as ladybugs, Hoverflies are also predator feasting on aphids. The good news about hoverflies is they’re easy to attract into gardens than ladybugs. Ornamentals such as statice, Iberis, marigolds, parsley, buckwheat and many more are perfect way to entice hoverflies to your garden.
Insecticides
This Is placed last because it’s the least advice alternative in getting rid of aphids because it not environmentally friendly and also not healthy. Although some insecticides are organic but don’t last longer thus requires constant spraying and inspection. Insecticide comes in different packages so it’s advised that you read the instruction carefully and follow thoroughly.
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