How to get rid of hydroponic pests

Added on 04 July 2022

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One of the benefits of indoor hydroponic farming is that your plants are far less susceptible to pests. But "far less susceptible" isn't the same as invulnerable, and some types of pests are common in hydroponic farming. Learn which types are most common and how to deal with them if they show up on your hydroponic farm.

How to Get Rid of Spider Mites

While spiders can actually be beneficial to hydroponic growing, spider mites are not. These tiny pests are only about a millimeter across, so you're more likely to spot their webs than the mites themselves. If you detect a spider mite infestation, take action immediately as they will multiply at an alarming rate and could soon take over your entire greenhouse.

Spider mites thrive by sucking the sap and fluids out of plants. This damages the plant's structure and leaves them susceptible to various diseases. If you start to notice yellow, dying leaves on your plants, examine the area closely for webbing as you may have a spider mite problem.

If your infestation is just beginning and confined to a single plant or a minimal area, you can simply prune the infested parts of your plants and get rid of them, taking the mites along with them. If the infestation has grown larger, though, there are still some ways to get rid of spider mites.

If your infestation is too large for pruning but still fairly small, you might try a soap spray. Mix three tablespoons of insecticidal dish soap (such as Castile, Ivory, or Murphy's Oil) with a gallon of water, then spray it onto infected areas. Repeat daily for one week to ten days. For larger problems, consider using pyrethrum, a mite killer made from chrysanthemum flowers.

Of course, the best way to deal with spider mites is to prevent the infestation before it takes hold. For a natural and pesticide-free preventative, consider introducing beneficial insects such as a praying mantis or ladybugs into your garden. These have the added benefit of preventing infestations of various pests without the use of harsh chemicals or sprays.

How to Get Rid of Whiteflies

Another pest commonly found in a hydroponic farm is the whitefly. Like spider mites, whiteflies survive by drinking the sap from your plants, which is harmful and makes them more susceptible to disease. Whiteflies are tiny flying insects, typically white or yellowish in color. They're most commonly found on tomatoes and peppers but can also infest other plant varieties.