Even in the controlled environment of a grow tent, pests can find their way in. Whether they hitch a ride on new plants, sneak in through ventilation, or come in on your clothes, it is important to know what you are up against - and how to deal with it fast.Below is a guide to the most common indoor garden pests and how to keep them under control using natural remedies and low-toxicity treatments.Spider MitesSigns: Tiny white or yellow specks on leaves, fine webbing under the foliage, and leaves that look dusty or faded.Natural Remedies:Neem oil sprays, such as Dyna-Gro Neem Oil Leaf Polish, applied regularly to both sides of the leaves.Increase humidity - spider mites thrive in dry conditions.Low-Toxicity Options:Doktor Doom Spider Mite Knockout for severe infestations.Fungus GnatsSigns: Small black flies hovering near soil or growing medium, larvae visible in topsoil, slowed plant growth.Natural Remedies:Let the growing medium dry slightly between waterings to disrupt their life cycle.Add a layer of sand or perlite to the surface of pots to deter egg laying.Low-Toxicity Options:Doktor Doom Total Release Fogger for heavy infestations.AphidsSigns: Clusters of soft-bodied insects on stems and the undersides of leaves, sticky honeydew residue, curling or yellowing leaves.Natural Remedies:Spray plants with a mix of water and a few drops of mild liquid soap.Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs if possible, even indoors.Low-Toxicity Options:Doktor Doom Formula 420 3-in-1 Crop and Plant Rescue Concentrate, which also helps with mildew.ThripsSigns: Silvery streaks or spots on leaves, black specks of frass, distorted new growth.Natural Remedies:Sticky traps to monitor and capture adults.Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.Low-Toxicity Options:A light fogging treatment with a safe indoor-approved pesticide.Prevention Tips for All PestsInspect new plants before bringing them into your grow tent.Keep your tent and tools clean and sanitized between grows.Use intake filters on ventilation to reduce pest entry.Monitor plants regularly - catching pests early makes them much easier to control.By staying vigilant and taking a balanced approach that combines prevention, natural remedies, and low-toxicity options when needed, you can keep your indoor garden thriving and pest-free.
Even in the controlled environment of a grow tent, pests can find their way in. Whether they hitch a ride on new plants, sneak in through ventilation, or come in on your clothes, it is important to know what you are up against - and how to deal with it fast. Below is a guide to the most common indoor garden pests and how to keep them under control using natural remedies and low-toxicity treatments. Spider Mites Signs: Tiny white or yellow specks on leaves, fine webbing under the foliage, and leaves that look dusty or faded.Natural Remedies: Neem oil sprays, such as Dyna-Gro Neem Oil Leaf Polish, applied regularly to both sides of the leaves. Increase humidity - spider mites thrive in dry conditions.Low-Toxicity Options: Doktor Doom Spider Mite Knockout for severe infestations. Fungus Gnats Signs: Small black flies hovering near soil or growing medium, larvae visible in topsoil, slowed plant growth.Natural Remedies: Let the growing medium dry slightly between waterings to disrupt their life cycle. Add a layer of sand or perlite to the surface of pots to deter egg laying.Low-Toxicity Options: Doktor Doom Total Release Fogger for heavy infestations. Aphids Signs: Clusters of soft-bodied insects on stems and the undersides of leaves, sticky honeydew residue, curling or yellowing leaves.Natural Remedies: Spray plants with a mix of water and a few drops of mild liquid soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs if possible, even indoors.Low-Toxicity Options: Doktor Doom Formula 420 3-in-1 Crop and Plant Rescue Concentrate, which also helps with mildew. Thrips Signs: Silvery streaks or spots on leaves, black specks of frass, distorted new growth.Natural Remedies: Sticky traps to monitor and capture adults. Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays.Low-Toxicity Options: A light fogging treatment with a safe indoor-approved pesticide. Prevention Tips for All Pests Inspect new plants before bringing them into your grow tent. Keep your tent and tools clean and sanitized between grows. Use intake filters on ventilation to reduce pest entry. Monitor plants regularly - catching pests early makes them much easier to control. By staying vigilant and taking a balanced approach that combines prevention, natural remedies, and low-toxicity options when needed, you can keep your indoor garden thriving and pest-free.
