Friendly Insects for Cannabis Plants: Will They Be Effective To Control Pests?

Friendly Insects for Cannabis Plants: Will They Be Effective To Control Pests?

Let's face it—most of us cringe at the thought of bugs crawling around, especially in our prized cannabis gardens. But here's the twist: not all insects are bad news. Some of these creepy crawlies are the unsung heroes of the garden, working tirelessly to protect your plants from destructive pests.

These beneficial insects, often called friendly predators, don't just fight pests; they turn your cannabis garden into a thriving, pest-free ecosystem. So, why not introduce them to your garden? In this article, learn all you need to know about these friendly insects and how you can introduce them to your garden. 

What are Friendly Insects?

Friendly predators, also known as beneficial insects, are your cannabis garden's secret weapon. Their main job? Protecting your plants from harmful pests that can wreak havoc on your crop.

A cannabis garden is a rich ecosystem filled with microorganisms, insects, and even birds. But not all visitors are welcome — some pests can damage your plants by munching on the leaves, sucking the sap, or even stunting growth entirely. If left unchecked, these pests can leave your plants weak, slow-growing, or, worse, dead.

That's where friendly predators come in. These insects hunt down harmful pests, including their eggs and larvae, no matter where they hide — whether it's under the leaves or deep in the soil. Think of them as tiny bodyguards for your plants.

Other Benefits of Beneficial Insects

While they mostly eliminate harmful pests, beneficial insects bring a lot more to the table for your garden:

1. They Keep Pests in Check

Friendly predators patrol your garden nonstop, making it less appealing to pests. If any pests do show up, these helpful bugs get rid of them before they can cause trouble. They are one of the best ways to prevent pests in your garden.

2. They Support Companion Plants

If you're growing companion plants like mint, dill, lavender, or red clover around your cannabis, beneficial insects help keep these plants healthy too, adding another layer of protection to your garden.

3. They Boost Soil Health

Take nematodes, for example. These tiny predators release their waste into the soil, enriching it with essential nutrients that help your plants thrive.

By using friendly predators, you also reduce the need for chemical pesticides, keeping your soil and plants natural and free of harsh substances. It's a win-win for both your garden and the environment.

What are the Best Beneficial Insects for Cannabis?

The right beneficial insects for your cannabis garden will depend on your local environment and the pests you're dealing with. That said, here are some of the best insect allies you can bring in to keep your plants safe.

1. Ladybugs

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds, are easily recognizable with their bright red shells and signature black dots. Most people assume that ladybugs are always red, but they come in various colors including yellow, orange, and even black. These tiny beetles from the Coccinellidae family are among the most efficient pest controllers you can have.

Their favorite snack? Aphids — a notorious cannabis pest. A single ladybug can chow down on up to 50 aphids a day, while their larvae are even more impressive, consuming up to 300 aphids daily. They don't stop there; ladybugs also feast on green flies, mites, moths, beetles, thrips, and more. 

What makes ladybugs even better is their habit of laying eggs right in aphid colonies, ensuring the next generation of larvae takes over the pest control duties. If you take a good look at the larvae, you'll see that they resemble alligators. Like caterpillars, the larvae enter the pupal stage where they become pupae in order to develop into adults. Finally, an adult ladybug emerges from the cocoon and starts feeding on their favorite pests. 

Ladybugs hunt for their prey in a fascinating way, using their strong sense of sight and smell to locate them at first. Typically, aphids form clusters and ladybugs are experts at finding them. They do so by smelling the chemical cues the pests release.

Once it spots its prey, it moves in slowly and when close enough to attack, the ladybug uses its mandibles (jaw-like mouthparts) to seize and clutch the prey, effectively immobilizing it. The jaws are so strong that they can pierce through the exoskeleton of their prey. Next, it swiftly chews through the internal parts, leaving nothing behind but the pest's exoskeleton. 

To use them, make sure you buy ladybugs from reputable suppliers that guarantee their health. Search for specimens that are alive and active. Also, if you cannot release your ladybugs right away, put them in a cool, moist place (roughly 40–50°F or 4–10°C) to keep them dormant. Make sure they're in a humid environment to prevent drying. 

In addition, release them only at dawn or sunset so they won't fly off when it's too warm and active. Don't force anything; instead, release them at the base of the plants and let them climb and search for prey naturally. If you are not getting results, introduce them regularly. 

To retain them, spritz the plants so they have a water source. Also, stay away from bright artificial lights and too much wind as this may drive them away. Avoid having too many ladybugs as overpopulation can make them compete against each other for food and migrate elsewhere. They like humid places and moderate temperatures so you should either adjust the humidity or mist your plants often. Finally, be careful while using broad-spectrum pesticides, which kill them. 

2. Green Lacewings

Green lacewings are easy to spot, thanks to their delicate, transparent wings that resemble lace. From the Chrysopidae family, these insects are your secret pest control weapon, especially when growing cannabis as they are of the best and most versatile insects for controlling common cannabis pests. 

The larvae, also referred to as “aphid lions” are super hungry and can eat up to 200 pests or pest eggs in a week, which can bring down pest numbers pretty quickly. They are popular for their fragile, lacy wings and very hungry larvae. 

While harmless to your plants, their larvae are top-notch predators that target soft-bodied pests like whiteflies, aphids, thrips, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These larvae grow into adult lacewings that can fly and reproduce, with each female laying up to 200 eggs on thin, silky threads attached to leaves to prevent them from falling to the ground — typically in areas with heavy pest activity.

The larvae are deadlier than the adults for pests as they hunt actively, using their powerful mandibles to suck the juices of the insects. Like ladybugs, they also spin a cocoon to form a pupa. Later, the adults feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. While they don't eat pests, they help plants pollinate, and help the ecosystem.

Green lacewings are also budget-friendly and easily available at local garden centers, often sold in bottles containing thousands of eggs. Release them into your garden, and they'll get to work almost instantly. This way, you can avoid spraying harmful pesticides on your buds as they smell awful when you smoke them. However, purchase lacewing eggs or larvae from trusted sources. Eggs are great for long-term pest control while larvae are for immediate action. Release the larvae gently on leaves near pests for maximum effect.

Also, remember that lacewings grow well in warm, humid conditions so they can be grown either indoors or outdoors. Do not blow on them or disturb them a lot. You can also plant companion flowers like dill, fennel, or cosmos to offer nectar to adult lacewings.

Benefits of using Lacwings for Cannabis

• Cannabis plants can greatly benefit from lacewings' pest control capabilities at any stage of their life cycle. They are effective immediately whether you use them on seedlings or flowering plants.
• A single release of lacewing eggs can manage pests for weeks, making them a very cost-effective pest control solution.
• Lacewings will help develop a healthy ecosystem without the harm of chemicals and pesticides.
• The digestive enzymes of lacewing larvae are injected into a pest where it liquefies the insides of a pest. The larvae will then consume the pest's insides. This is why a lacewing larva is called an aphid lion.

However, one con is that although the larvae are more effective, they don't last long. Thus, you'll have to use some eggs at regular intervals to always have pest control.

3. Praying Mantis

If you're looking for a predator with patience and stealth, the praying mantis is your go-to insect. With their stick-like appearance, these bugs blend seamlessly into foliage, waiting for hours before ambushing their prey. 

From the Mantodea family, Praying Mantises are one of the most efficient and fascinating predators in the insect world, and their role in cannabis cultivation can be invaluable. Thanks to their “praying” body stance, fast reflexes, and taste for a vast variety of pests, mantises are a natural solution to infestations.

Praying mantises are particularly effective against pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Their round-the-clock hunting makes them a popular choice among cannabis growers.

Adding praying mantises to your garden is as simple as releasing a few at different stages of your plant's growth. Once they settle in, they'll actively guard your plants, ensuring pests don't stand a chance.

To detect their prey, mantises use their highly developed senses. They have compound eyes which give them excellent vision and allow them to detect the slightest movements. With triangular-shaped heads that can rotate 180 degrees, they can follow the movements of their prey effortlessly. 

At first, a mantis creeps up on the unsuspecting pest by blending into the environment, much like a chameleon. With the patience of a monk, it can stay still for hours until the prey is in the striking range. It's often found near flowering plants or other shrubs and leaves where insects are plentiful.

And, once the poor prey is in its range, the mantis strikes with lightning speed in a fraction of a second, often too quickly for the prey to react. With its spiked forelegs, it snatches and holds the prey, preventing them from escaping. 

After capturing the prey, the mantis holds it tightly in its forelegs, allowing the spines to pierce and grip its body. It bites and disables it, tearing the body apart. But, even here, mantises are pretty clever as they're only interested in the parts that provide maximum nourishment, like the head, thorax, etc. 

With their stealth, speed, and specialized anatomy, praying mantises are effective hunters and can easily take out a range of pests that could threaten cannabis plants and others.

Benefits of Using Praying Mantises 

• Effective in Any Stage

Mantises are effective throughout their lifecycle as both nymphs and adults are active hunters who stalk and ambush pests on cannabis.

• Unique Hunting Behavior

While insects rely on numbers, mantises are solitary hunters. They are experts at ambushing their prey, making them particularly effective against specific pests.

To use mantises, purchase the egg cases from a reputed seller. Every egg case can produce dozens to hundreds of nymphs. You can secure them in breathable bags and place them on the branches of your cannabis plants. Remember to introduce the eggs when the plants are in the vegetative stage so that they can control the pests. 

Make sure your growing environment enables them to survive as they like warm, humid conditions. That said, don't introduce mantises in areas with excessive airflow or artificial light that may affect their behavior.

4. Spiders

Sure, spiders may give you the creeps, but they're some of the best pest control agents you can have. Completely harmless to your plants, spiders trap unwanted insects in their webs, working tirelessly to keep pests at bay. Plus, they're territorial, meaning they'll defend their space from other pests — and even rival spiders.

However, spiders aren't without drawbacks. They're slow hunters, making them less effective against large-scale pest infestations. Instead, they act as a preventative measure, keeping pest populations from getting out of hand in the first place.

One standout species is the Daddy long legs. Unlike other spiders, these leggy predators don't spin webs but actively hunt pests like aphids and mites. Spiders eat a variety of insects, so having them in the house will control the insect population easily. Their webs are excellent at catching several types of insects including aphids, fungus gnats, and moths. 

Most spiders are generalist predators so they typically consume any pest in their web. They are harmless and maintain the health of the plants. Moreover, they offer pest control day and night as they have both nocturnal and diurnal species.

You can find many types of spiders including orb-weaving spiders that are known for their beautiful circular webs, jumping spiders that actively hunt down and pounce on their prey, and ground-dwelling spiders that hunt soil pests.

Spiders, like most beneficial insects, use strategies to hunt. First, they spin webs and wait for some unlucky souls to walk into them. For example, orb-weaving and funnel-web spiders build very colorful and complex webs using silk to catch flying and crawling insects. But, the webs aren't just for show, as the spider uses them to detect the vibrations of the struggling prey that gets caught in the web. And, once it catches its prey, it swiftly moves to immobilize it with its silk wrapping. 

In addition, spiders use fangs to inject venom that immobilizes their prey and facilitates the digestion process. Hunting spiders also use keen eyesight and dexterity to find and ambush their prey. Some famous hunting spiders include jumping spiders and wolf spiders.

Jumping spiders sneak up on their prey and jump on it while wolf spiders chase down their prey and use their powerful fangs to subdue them. These spiders eat their prey right away after they have immobilized them and don't use webs. 

If you'd like to attract spiders naturally into your cannabis garden, you must maintain a natural habitat by adding mulch and other vegetation. Try not to remove cobwebs unless truly necessary, as they trap pests. Also, remember that when you spray chemicals, spiders may be killed, and they won't help you.

You can also plant companion plants such as marigolds or dill that will attract insects that spiders can eat in an ongoing supply. When you include spiders in your cannabis garden, you get a natural and eco-friendly pest manager for healthier plants and great quality yield. It seems impossible at first, but with time, you'll be a spider whisperer!

5. Assassin Bugs

As their name suggests, assassin bugs are stealthy hunters. These small, flat insects are known for their folded snouts and striking red eyes. They prey on beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and more.

The catch? You can't just pick them up at your local gardening store. Instead, you'll need to attract them naturally. Growing vegetables, ornamental flowers, or fruit trees can encourage these bugs to make your garden their home. Another con you need to be aware of: these bugs can bite. Yes, they can bite humans. Although they are not inclined to do so, they can bite if threatened. Now, since it can be dangerous, it's best to look at other friendly insects rather than pushing your luck; however, here's some more information on this stealthy bug, just for your information. 

Assassin bugs are great predators. They belong to the Reduviidae family of insects and make excellent pest control agents. These bugs do a good job at controlling aphid infestations but they can take care of caterpillars, beetle larvae, and leafhoppers as well. 

Assassin bugs are aggressive hunters and patrol the garden, searching for pests on seedlings, leaves, stems, and even the soil. First, an assassin bug uses its proboscis to pierce the exoskeleton of its prey. Once immobilized, it injects digestive juices inside the prey that dissolves its internal organs into a liquid, which is then sucked out.

This approach ensures minimal waste while getting the most nutritional value from it. Pretty deadly, yet fascinating, huh? You can use them indoors and outdoors to protect your cannabis plants as they can adjust to various climates. 

To invite assassin bugs into your garden, you can use companion plants and native plants that attract other insects. This will keep a steady supply of food for the assassin bugs. Next, avoid broad-spectrum pesticides as they can harm assassin bugs and make them less effective as pest controllers.

Bushy foliage and undisturbed places invite assassin bugs to make your garden their home, so make sure you have some plants they can use as shelter. 

You can also make use of commercially available assassin bugs like Zelus renardii to control severe infestations.

6. Predator Mites

When spider mites invade, predator mites are your secret weapon. These tiny, hard-to-see insects specialize in eliminating spider mites — a notorious pest for cannabis plants — even though they are related to each other!

Predator mites are usually sold in bottles and should be introduced immediately after spotting spider mites. Within days, they'll reduce the pest population significantly. One downside? Predator mites have a short lifespan, so you'll likely need to reintroduce them every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness.

Out of all the pests that trouble cannabis growers, spider mites are nothing short of a nightmare because it's very difficult to get rid of them once they multiply and take over your garden. You'll have to use a wide range of pesticides and insecticides to eliminate them and although there are some organic techniques, growers often have no choice other than relying on powerful synthetic pesticides to remove them. Fortunately, you can rest assured that you don't have to worry too much when you're using predatory mites as they love spider mites just as much as we hate them. Plus, you can use them both indoors and outdoors. 

It's safe to say that predatory mites are specialized hunters that prey on spider mites. They also target the eggs and nymphs along with adult spider mites but what makes them most impressive is that they work well for current pest problems as well as for preventive pest control so you'll never have to see another spider mite on your precious plants. Certain predatory mite species also go after other pests like thrips and whiteflies, making them more amazing for you. 

Most importantly, predatory mites multiply rapidly under favorable conditions, ensuring continued pest management in the long run. If you use them, you won't have to worry about using harmful pesticides to keep your plants safe and healthy. 

Two types of predatory mites used for cannabis are Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus and they both are effective in getting rid of spider mites. While Phytoseiulus persimilis typically prefers hot and humid places, Neoseiulus californicus is a little more flexible to changing environmental conditions. It can exist on pollen and other food sources in the absence of prey.

Regardless of the species you use, make sure you place them near the infestations. For maximum effectiveness, introduce them early within an infestation or during the vegetative stage for prevention.

Coming to the environmental conditions, keep the humidity level between 60 to 80% and the temperatures between 70 and 85°F. Do not blow air at the plants that will blow the mites away. You can use these mites in conjunction with ladybugs or lacewings for better pest control.

One of the biggest advantages of using predatory mites is that they will hunt and reproduce without any further assistance so you don't have to work on maintaining them constantly. 

However, one disadvantage is that they will work best over time, so if you have a serious infestation, they won't be effective immediately. Thus, it's best to use them as a preventive measure or combine them with other pest control measures for best results.

7. Nematodes

Nematodes are a favorite among cannabis growers worldwide — and for good reason. Unlike most predators, these microscopic creatures act as parasites, attacking pests like ants, fungus gnats, slugs,  cutworms, and weevils from the inside.

You can buy nematodes at garden centers, often in the form of solid blocks. Simply mix them with water and apply the solution to your garden, focusing on the plant bases and shaded areas like under rocks.

Nematodes are the first line of defense in the root zone as they infect the pests. Pests like cutworms that reside in the soil are notorious for cutting off the plants at the base. However, since nematodes protect your plants against such insects, you can rest assured that your plants will be safe and get the water and nutrients they require.

When nematodes get introduced into the soil, they reproduce and maintain a population. They can stick around for months as long as there is enough food available (pest larvae). They are non-toxic and safe for both plants and humans, also pets and other wildlife.

Suffice it to say that they are an ideal organic and eco-friendly cannabis option because of their natural pest control abilities.

Coming to how they attack their prey, nematodes possess a highly effective and specialized method for destroying soil pests. Beneficial nematodes are naturally attracted to carbon dioxide and heat from pest larvae in the soil. Soil moisture enables them to explore the soil to search for their targets.

Once a nematode finds its prey, it penetrates the body of the pest through natural openings like the mouth, anus, and spiracles (breathing pores). Then, it releases symbiotic bacteria from its gut that reproduce quickly to produce enough toxin to kill the host within a mere 24-48 hours.

The nematodes then breed inside the pest by feeding on its liquefied tissues. New 'batches' of nematodes emerge from the decaying pest to attack other larvae present in the soil. The activity of this pest control will continue as long as the larvae of the pest are present in the soil.

8. Parasitic Wasps

Parasitic wasps may not be as famous as ladybugs or lacewings, but they are one of the most efficient pest-fighting agents on the planet. These little non-stinging insects lay their eggs inside or on different types of pests to kill them. The result? A self-sustainable solution for protecting cannabis plants from pests.

Parasitic wasps target several types of pests including aphids, whiteflies caterpillars, leaf miners, and scale insects. In fact, a single parasitic wasp can parasitize dozens of pests, often wiping out the entire colony in one lifecycle.

Once established, your growing environment will be a natural habitat where parasitic wasps breed. But, don't be scared of these little buggers. Agreed, the name wasps may send shivers down your spine; however, these wasps do not harm humans, plants, and pets. They get rid of other pests without using chemical pesticides, keeping your cannabis organic. In short, they are effective despite their small size and appearance but can help prevent further outbreaks.

But, how exactly do they get rid of pests, you ask?

Well, parasitic wasps have an ovipositor that can pierce the bodies of the pest to lay eggs inside or on it. After hatching, the larvae feed from inside the host and eventually kill it. This helps to provide food for the young wasps and also reduces the pest population. 

Some parasitic wasps, such as Trichogramma species, lay their eggs inside the eggs of pests, so the larvae never hatch. Other parasitic wasps, like Aphidius colemani species, attack adult pests, such as aphids.

To use these wasps efficiently when growing cannabis, choose the types that deal with the insect damaging your plants. For instance, Trichogramma is effective against moths and caterpillars while Encarsia formosa will kill whiteflies, and Aphidius colemani, as the name implies, works against aphids. 

Next, purchase eggs only from a reliable source and position them as close as possible to pest populations or infested areas. Keep the area warm and humid as it's the best environment for parasitic wasps and avoid using insecticides as they may kill the wasps. 

One major advantage of using parasitic wasps is they offer long-lasting pest control. You don't need to release them periodically unlike other beneficial insects as they can persist in the presence of pests. You can even use them in your indoor grows as they adjust to many types of environments. 

In short, when you add parasitic wasps to your cannabis grow, you add a targeted, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pest control.  The uncelebrated heroes of the insect world make sure that your plants do not get damaged by ordinary pests.

How to Introduce Beneficial Insects in Your Cannabis Garden?

Adding friendly predators to your cannabis garden is a simple yet effective way to control pests naturally. Here's how to get started.

1. Identify the Pests

First, start by figuring out which pests are common in your region and likely to invade your garden. Common offenders include aphids, fungus gnats, flies (black, white, or green), thrips, spider mites, and caterpillars. Identifying the pest will help you choose the right predators.

2. Purchase Friendly Predators

The easiest way to introduce beneficial insects is by buying them from your local gardening store. These insects are affordable, and releasing them into your garden is typically straightforward.

Simply follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure proper handling and distribution. Most predators will establish themselves within days.

3. Grow Companion Plants

Planting companion plants is a natural way to attract predatory insects to your garden. Companion plants support a diverse ecosystem and form a symbiotic relationship with cannabis, so they are also good for your plant! 

Here are some great companion plants and the insects they attract:

• Purple Dead Nettle: Attracts bees
• Dandelion: Attracts ladybugs
• Dill: Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps
• Mint: Attracts parasitic wasps
• Lavender: Attracts parasitic wasps
• Nasturtium: Acts as a decoy for harmful pests

Other excellent options include marigold, yarrow, thyme, oregano, and fennel.

4. Boost Your Plant's Terpene Profile

Terpenes, the aromatic compounds in cannabis, can naturally attract beneficial insects thanks to their color and scent. So, improving terpene production can make your garden even more appealing to predators.

Here are some tips to boost terpenes:

• Add UV lights to your setup to stimulate terpene production
• Opt for high-quality, terpene-rich strains
• Use low-stress training (LST) techniques to encourage your plants to activate their natural defenses, resulting in stronger, healthier growth

With these methods, introducing friendly predators into your cannabis garden is a breeze. They'll not only protect your plants but also help create a thriving, balanced ecosystem.

Summary: Friendly Insects for Cannabis Plants: Will They Be Effective To Control Pests?

Your cannabis garden doesn't have to be a battleground. By bringing in the help of friendly predators, you're not just protecting your plants — you're embracing a natural, sustainable way to grow. 

Whether you're releasing ladybugs, planting companion plants, or boosting your plants' terpene profiles, these tiny allies are game-changers. So, why not let them do the dirty work for you while you enjoy a healthier cannabis plant?