Are pests really that common?

[TrippleDip]

Please, I want to know exactly how common are infestations? Have you grown and never had an infestation? Have you been growing for a while, how many crops will get bugs, 5%, 10%?

Here's my deal. I've only had three grows, two plants at a time, no bugs. however I also have like 7 non cannabis plants in the same room, in soil with cats and dogs free to go where they please. Pot plants are in peat moss. I have never seen pests besides fungus gnats and spider mites (rarely then and not enough to even begin to call a problem) on the 30ish plants in this house, so basically I want to know exactly how common are pest infestations, especially if not using any preventative measures. Once every few years, ten years?

Thanks

 

[TheGreatSouthern]

That question is impossible to answer mate. I can tell you my experiences though.
You've already got fungus gnats, so you'll have them forever unless you switch to hydro.
You've had spider mites, so depending on how recently you had them you may well still have the odd one getting round and you'll get an infestation again eventually.
I grew where I used to live for about 2 years and had one spider mite infestation and nothing else. No pests, no diseases, nothing. Moved to my new town and have had fungus gnats and aphids and it looks like I've got thrips now too. I'm going to do proper quarantine from now on.
I mean your question is impossible to answer because there are so many variables. Like do you live in the city? do you have a garden outside? do you take your shoes off when you come in the house? you've got pets that come and go so the chances you'll get something is higher.

 

[TrippleDip]

That question is impossible to answer mate. I can tell you my experiences though.
You've already got fungus gnats, so you'll have them forever unless you switch to hydro.
You've had spider mites, so depending on how recently you had them you may well still have the odd one getting round and you'll get an infestation again eventually.
I grew where I used to live for about 2 years and had one spider mite infestation and nothing else. No pests, no diseases, nothing. Moved to my new town and have had fungus gnats and aphids and it looks like I've got thrips now too. I'm going to do proper quarantine from now on.
I mean your question is impossible to answer because there are so many variables. Like do you live in the city? do you have a garden outside? do you take your shoes off when you come in the house? you've got pets that come and go so the chances you'll get something is higher.

Thanks, that really did answer my question though. I wanted to know other growers opinions on whether they worry about pests or not. From your answer it seems that it's something you don't really worry about and only take minimal precautions against if necessary.

I mentioned the fungus gnats and spider mites because I don't believe there's a garden that's 100% free of them, but under normal conditions they can't really be called a problem. I see all sorts of bugs in the gardens but whenever there's an 'infestation' requiring spraying it has always been with the fruit trees. I have never seen large amounts of bugs inside, ever.

I know my experience is limited and I see many posts saying to use this or that deterrent, soaps, etc. but I wonder if any of it has an effect never having seen problematic amounts of bugs inside anyways. Thanks for posting your experiences btw.

 

[Skoal]

Pets I personally have to say is all environmental related.

My first grow ever in 2008 has pests galore. Didn’t have proper cooling. Proper ventilation. Was getting mold everything. Now, 11 years later I run a crap ton of equipment and keep the environment dialed in and never seem to get pests. So yeah it’s common if your environments are not ideal. That’s the best and easiest way to avoid in my opinion. But I also don’t have that many grows experience.