Many types of stink bugs can harm cannabis plants. They lay white egg patches that turn into small bugs. These bugs grow into stink bugs. I’ve never seen them myself but they harm many plants.
They can damage flowers and leaves. They especially like to eat seeds. But the worst thing about them is their bad smell!
Note: The pictures below are by Professor Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org. A huge thank you to him for sharing many pictures of pests.
Growers often first see stink bug eggs on leaves. These eggs come from the conchuela stink bug (Chlorochroa ligata). Many stink bug eggs look very similar to this.
These young red-shouldered stink bugs in Colorado have just hatched and are colonizing this cannabis plant. Stink bugs take different forms throughout their life and look different after hatching vs when they’re nymphs or adults.
The nymph of a brown stink bug (Euschistus sp.)
Stink bugs often attack both male and female flowers of cannabis plants. They especially love to munch on seeds that are forming, like in this picture.
Get Rid of Stink Bugs on Cannabis
1.) Clean the surrounding area of leaves, weeds and debris
Remove weeds and clean leaves under plants. Keep the area clean. This stops bugs from hiding and eating.
2.) Remove or Spray Off As Many Stink Bugs as Possible
First, remove as many stink bugs and eggs as you can. This lowers their numbers. Don’t swat or squish them because they smell bad.
Outdoors, gently remove leaves with eggs and spray bugs off plants with a hose. If bugs fall off, catch them in soapy water. Indoors, a vacuum can help, but it will smell. Dispose of the vacuum contents right away.
Remove, shake, or spray off as many bugs as you can. Then, get rid of infected leaves. Dispose of all plant matter, eggs, and bugs right away!
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2.) Neem Oil
Neem Oil is safe and works well against many bugs. But, it can smell a lot. It’s good against eggs and young bugs but not older ones.
You can use it until the day before harvest. But, don’t get it on your buds. It can make them taste and smell bad. It’s safe for people, animals, and most good bugs.
You need a mister to spray it evenly. This is because neem oil and water can separate.
Use neem oil when it’s dark. This way, it won’t burn your leaves.
3.) Floating row covers
These are cheap and work well against many bugs. They keep bugs away without blocking light or using harmful chemicals. You can also water plants through them.
Row covers can make mini green houses. They’re light and don’t bother plants. They’re good for many pests like stink bugs, caterpillars, and slugs.
They’re easier to use on small plants. But, they’re hard to cover big plants. Young plants do well with them.
Floating row covers look like thin netting. They keep pests away from plants.
4.) Be vigilant for eggs
It’s hard to kill adult stink bugs. Their young ones also have a protective coating. Check your plants every day.
Look for eggs and young bugs. Remove them before they become a big problem.