There are several types of bugs that can be found in a hemp field. These include the Tarnished Plant Bug, the Eurasian Hemp Borer, and Rust mites. They can be quite harmful and cause serious damage to plants.

Rust Mites

The Hemp Russet Mite, also known as the Eriophyidae family, is a mite that is indigenous to cannabis plants. They are tiny insects with a life cycle that varies from seven to ten days to thirty days.

They are considered to be a pest to hemp. Although they are small, they can cause damage to hemp and other plant species. There are several types of arthropods that live on hemp. Some of them are beneficial to hemp while others cause problems.

These arthropods include ants, spiders, mites, and beetles. Some of these are able to pierce through the plant and inject a toxin into the plant. Others can cause discoloration, stunting, and even death.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your hemp plant healthy. Proper sanitation and control of weeds will reduce the chances of an infestation.

Biological control is another way to minimize an outbreak of Hemp Russet Mites. Predators, such as lady beetles and hoverfly larvae, will feed on these pests.

Eurasian Hemp Borer

When you want to grow a successful hemp crop, you should know about the various pests that may harm your plant. However, not all pests are bad. There are some that are beneficial to hemp, like the Eurasian hemp borer. These arthropods also provide free biological control.

The Eurasian hemp borer is a small caterpillar that tunnels into stems and buds. This insect has several generations each season. It is most often detected during harvest or the drying stage of the plant.

The larvae of the Eurasian hemp borer feed on the flowers of cannabis. They are approximately a half-inch long and have a dark brown head capsule.

Another pest that can cause significant damage is the spotted cucumber beetle. Also known as the southern corn rootworm, this bug primarily occurs in the eastern part of the U.S.

Japanese beetles are another important pest that may affect hemp. They can also be a major defoliator. If they are present in your field, make sure that you check them carefully.

Tarnished Plant Bug

The Tarnished Plant Bug (TPB) is a piercing-sucking insect. It can cause discoloration and leaf disintegration, as well as the potential for transmitting the virus. If left unchecked, this pest can seriously harm your hemp plant.

Fortunately, there are many natural enemies that can protect your hemp plants. These include lacewings, predatory lady beetles, and minute pirate bugs. Using these insects as biological controls can help keep the TPB under control.

Another important aspect of pest management for hemp is scouting. This means examining multiple plants in a field for signs of mites or other pests. Grasshoppers, for example, can move from plant to plant very quickly, and can often be overlooked.

Early detection is key in managing hemp russet mites. Unlike corn earworms, the TPB can be found outdoors. For this reason, they can be a problem even if you have your plants indoors.

Grasshoppers feed on a wide variety of plants, including hemp. They hatch in late June or early July and have a distinctive head shape. Their nymphs stay near the hatching site.

Aphids

One of the most destructive pests of hemp plants is the aphid. It is a small sap-sucking insect that can range in size from 1 to 10 millimeters. During the life cycle, the insect can be divided into three stages, depending on its host.

The aphid is a cosmopolitan species that can infest several plant species. Although the most common species are green, there are also red, pink, and yellow ones.

The aphid’s most damaging phase is the nymph. Nymphs are characterized by long legs and piercing-sucking mouthparts. They are often found under leaves.

The nymph stage is a period of rapid growth. After about four to five molts, the nymph takes on the appearance of an adult. Normally, aphids are females.

In addition to aphids, hemp fields can be infested with other arthropods such as tarnished plant bugs and Japanese beetles. These insects feed on hemp’s flowers and stems.

However, in some cases, the presence of these insects can go undetected. Some pests are very small and therefore may not be easily observed.