Yeah! It's Bud Worm Season. Pics

[ThailandBound]

Great thread, with a ton of great suggestions.

I'm giving all my plants a Montery BT treatment tonight / again this weekend. I have 3 autoflowers that are too close to harvest to spray however....

Other than manually picking them out & installing some bug netting, any other tips?

So far, I think I've been lucky, only found about 10-20 little worms total on the plants....

I have read that you can us BT right up to harvest, then on the other hand, I've read it is fine to use up to 2 weeks before harvest. I tend to lean on the "up to harvest" a little more because you aren't spraying a chemical per se. I have also read that some people will do a quick hydrogen peroxide dip at harvest (can't remember the dilution rate at this time) followed by a clean water rinse to eliminate stuff that may be on the flowers. Then I guess you dry as usual. I've never done any of it since this is my first time growing anything other than veggies and ornamental plants. It's all new to me... especially the drying and curing aspect, right now, I have no clue... guess I'll have about 6 weeks to figure it out, lol.

 

[SuperNutz]

Damn it, had to cut out some rotted buds just now 4 weeks into flower on one of my Jack Herer. This weather is making it a pain to keep up with the BT spraying and it's supposed to rain till tomorrow afternoon. Gotta get these girls covered up asap so the BT doesn't keep getting washed off.

 

[olaf687]

Damn it, had to cut out some rotted buds just now 4 weeks into flower on one of my Jack Herer. This weather is making it a pain to keep up with the BT spraying and it's supposed to rain till tomorrow afternoon. Gotta get these girls covered up asap so the BT doesn't keep getting washed off.

What state are you located in?

 

[jbcCT]

I have read that you can us BT right up to harvest, then on the other hand, I've read it is fine to use up to 2 weeks before harvest. I tend to lean on the "up to harvest" a little more because you aren't spraying a chemical per se. I have also read that some people will do a quick hydrogen peroxide dip at harvest (can't remember the dilution rate at this time) followed by a clean water rinse to eliminate stuff that may be on the flowers. Then I guess you dry as usual. I've never done any of it since this is my first time growing anything other than veggies and ornamental plants. It's all new to me... especially the drying and curing aspect, right now, I have no clue... guess I'll have about 6 weeks to figure it out, lol.

I would agree with all these statements. I will continue to spray until a week or two before harvest. I'm spraying every 4-5 days.

I wash all my outdoor bud. I get two clean five gallon buckets. Few bottles of peroxide. I use a quarter bottle in bucket #1, plain water in bucket #2.

Outdoor picks up a certain amount of dust, small flies that get stuck, etc. The bud is so sticky and coated with resin it's almost waterproof. You ever put shoe waterproofer spray on your hand when you were a little kid and stick your hand in water. I find that that a decent wash actually aids in the curing process. I do a good wet trim, wash and hang. I manicure after drying for two weeks.

I'm looking good so far. Not a single worm to be found. Critical stage as my feminized plants are stacking flower. My reg plants are starting to fill in.

I know how depressing it is to go all season caring for plants to have them ruined by these disgusting worms. I lost half my plants last year. Instead of reacting to the problem when you visually see the worms you have to assume they will be there. If this proactive spraying approach doesn't I don't know what will. So far so good on this little experiment. Keep fighting the good fight boys.

I'm in Northeast U.S.

Got four strains this year. Grape pupil by Massmedical, feminized. Bohdi hells angel x snow lotis, Bohdi bubba kush x snow lotus and a mystery Indica, my son found a few seeds in a bag earlier in the year and they look ferocious.

 

[jbcCT]

Damn it, had to cut out some rotted buds just now 4 weeks into flower on one of my Jack Herer. This weather is making it a pain to keep up with the BT spraying and it's supposed to rain till tomorrow afternoon. Gotta get these girls covered up asap so the BT doesn't keep getting washed off.

I'm sorry to hear that man. Don't get discouraged. Keep spraying. Cutting out some brown is part of the outdoor game. You'll be able to salvage. One year they infected every one of my top colas. I wanted to fucking die. I know the feeling and it sucks balls. If your using Monterey BT you may want to run one batch at double strength. I know someone else asked you what state your in. If your in a non legal place please don't reveal the state out here but rather what part of the U.S are you in.

 

[ThaiKwonDro]

Chowing down on your buds at this very moment. At least their chowing down on mine. I hit them with some with some BT this evening.

I have a question or two for those who have used BT in the past. Does it effect the quality of the weed. (Taste, Buzz....) And is it really safe for smoking. How long do you have to wait after spraying before you harvest. I've been using BT on my garden for decades without any problems but I always wash the food I grow before I eat it. But I'd have to be crazy to wash my weed before smoking it. Though I could give it a little spray down a few days before harvest. Any suggestions?

Here's some pics of my two plants progress. You can see the damage done to one of the buds and one of our crawly little pests.

If anyone has any idea of the strains I'm growing I'd sure like to know.

Beauty bro, ive been finding them damn worms too alot this year. Stay up cuz.

 

[SuperNutz]

I'm sorry to hear that man. Don't get discouraged. Keep spraying. Cutting out some brown is part of the outdoor game. You'll be able to salvage. One year they infected every one of my top colas. I wanted to fucking die. I know the feeling and it sucks balls. If your using Monterey BT you may want to run one batch at double strength. I know someone else asked you what state your in. If your in a non legal place please don't reveal the state out here but rather what part of the U.S are you in.

Haven't been able to spray BT in a week, rain everyday or morning and then the fog saturating everything. Been spraying neem every few days when it's dry enough to combat powdery mildew. Haven't seen a worm since the last round of BT though so I'm thinking all these different wasps, mantis, etc are eating good. Been working on my greenhouse to keep the rain and fog off them past couple days, should be done tomorrow and if there's time before dark or rain I'm going to hit them and let them dry before covering the roof and partial sides.

 

[jbcCT]

Haven't been able to spray BT in a week, rain everyday or morning and then the fog saturating everything. Been spraying neem every few days when it's dry enough to combat powdery mildew. Haven't seen a worm since the last round of BT though so I'm thinking all these different wasps, mantis, etc are eating good. Been working on my greenhouse to keep the rain and fog off them past couple days, should be done tomorrow and if there's time before dark or rain I'm going to hit them and let them dry before covering the roof and partial sides.

My grape pupils got hit with a little powdery, early in veg, on a few lower leaves. I have a copper soap fungicide and it stopped that shit dead in it's tracks.

On another note, I grow sunflowers for the hell of it. Was observing worms eating out of the flower heads. Small too. Maybe a week old. Not a single one on my plants though.

 

[RipeLoud]

My single female shows no sign, now, of the dreaded BUD WORMS.

I have sprayed every two days, Monterey BT, since seeing 4-6 small worms, and have checked the plant daily as instructed by members here, nothing visible since the on Labor Day 9/2/19 second application.

Although my production is not like others here, I consider it a success based on, my space or grow area, govt restrictions, as well as my personal usage.

Dorian is headed towards the coast, it will not impose a danger to me or my single lady, other than several days of rain, I plan on harvesting her tomorrow on Labor Day 9/2/19 ? Will 2-3 days of rain affect the potency?

(Picture below for opinions)

Everyone here takes pride in their accomplishments in the garden, and are more than willing to share the experience and knowledge, that's what makes it work.
THANKS TO ALL FOR THE HELP AND ADVISE

Not a good Pict.

 

[jbcCT]

My single female shows no sign, now, of the dreaded BUD WORMS.

I have sprayed every two days, Monterey BT, since seeing 4-6 small worms, and have checked the plant daily as instructed by members here, nothing visible since the on Labor Day 9/2/19 second application.

Although my production is not like others here, I consider it a success based on, my space or grow area, govt restrictions, as well as my personal usage.

Dorian is headed towards the coast, it will not impose a danger to me or my single lady, other than several days of rain, I plan on harvesting her tomorrow on Labor Day 9/2/19 ? Will 2-3 days of rain affect the potency?

(Picture below for opinions)

Everyone here takes pride in their accomplishments in the garden, and are more than willing to share the experience and knowledge, that's what makes it work.
THANKS TO ALL FOR THE HELP AND ADVISE
View attachment 4388362
Not a good Pict.

Really glad it worked out for you. It's such a unique plant and to get to watch it grow is something special.

Guy down the street from me was only able to do one plant this season as well. He called me in a panick first week of July as his plant was covered in worms. Was still in veg. I made him up a sprayer of BT, he got his own Monterey and has been doing a 3-5 day spray schedule and has been clean ever since.

So congrats on the plant, looks good, let us know it turns out.

 

[deadjon]

I would agree with all these statements. I will continue to spray until a week or two before harvest. I'm spraying every 4-5 days.

I wash all my outdoor bud. I get two clean five gallon buckets. Few bottles of peroxide. I use a quarter bottle in bucket #1, plain water in bucket #2.

Outdoor picks up a certain amount of dust, small flies that get stuck, etc. The bud is so sticky and coated with resin it's almost waterproof. You ever put shoe waterproofer spray on your hand when you were a little kid and stick your hand in water. I find that that a decent wash actually aids in the curing process. I do a good wet trim, wash and hang. I manicure after drying for two weeks.

I'm looking good so far. Not a single worm to be found. Critical stage as my feminized plants are stacking flower. My reg plants are starting to fill in.

I know how depressing it is to go all season caring for plants to have them ruined by these disgusting worms. I lost half my plants last year. Instead of reacting to the problem when you visually see the worms you have to assume they will be there. If this proactive spraying approach doesn't I don't know what will. So far so good on this little experiment. Keep fighting the good fight boys.

I'm in Northeast U.S.

Got four strains this year. Grape pupil by Massmedical, feminized. Bohdi hells angel x snow lotis, Bohdi bubba kush x snow lotus and a mystery Indica, my son found a few seeds in a bag earlier in the year and they look ferocious.

mass medical strains are amazing, and grown a lot outdoors in the North East US, so they're generally hearty too.

 

[Longsmoker]

For budworms, you should spray your plants every 3 weeks with BT, a beneficial bacteria, throughout their veg state, and the first half of flowering. That will keep the worms from growing on your plants. And that way, you don't have to spray your ripening buds.

BT will affect the taste of your bud if used too late in the season. It's just fine to wash your plants before harvest. Even my indoor plants are sometimes taken outside on harvest day and sprayed down well with a fine spray, and then dried for a couple of hours and harvested.

HTH

Neem!!!!!!!!!

 

[jbcCT]

mass medical strains are amazing, and grown a lot outdoors in the North East US, so they're generally hearty too.

Good to hear from you on this. I got that feminized grape pupil and I am getting excited. It's almost turning a blackish purple. I've read a few threads on massmedical out here and some people were poo pooing the yields. Which I don't think is true, these things are stacking and will finish by the end of September, my bodhi strains won't finish till end of October. I started the grape a week ahead of bodhi mid May.

One of the reasons I bought massmedical is because it's from Western Mass and he grows these organic and I'm in the same region diff state. Fucking tap water and certainly not metered which is my style outdoors.

 

[jbcCT]

Neem!!!!!!!!!

This guy nailed it. I new I wasn't reinventing the wheel. I wash my bud too.

On a side I found something interesting and it's inside the topic;

Guilty pleasure is Joe Rogan podcast. Recent podcast #1341 he has a game ranger out of CA who developed a team that busts illegal cartel grows in the U.S. One of the things that struck me. The Mexicans are importing a pesticide so toxic that when a bust occurs they let the grow cool down for two weeks before cleaning it up cause the site is so hot with pesticide. Lot of poison product out there and it destroys out waterways and wildlife and these guys also clean up the mess. Definitely worth a listen boys

 

[potroastV2]

Neem!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for digging up my post from 2008. If your one-word response means that Neem oil will take care of bud worms, I'm not sure that is accurate. I've always used Neem Oil, and still have worms. I've also used BT and still have worms.

This year I installed a Dyna-Trap and it attracts all kinds of small moths, and I've sprayed with SoluNeem and BT, and I am seeing some worm damage.

 

[deadjon]

Good to hear from you on this. I got that feminized grape pupil and I am getting excited. It's almost turning a blackish purple. I've read a few threads on massmedical out here and some people were poo pooing the yields. Which I don't think is true, these things are stacking and will finish by the end of September, my bodhi strains won't finish till end of October. I started the grape a week ahead of bodhi mid May.

One of the reasons I bought massmedical is because it's from Western Mass and he grows these organic and I'm in the same region diff state. Fucking tap water and certainly not metered which is my style outdoors.

I follow a few talented growers and they crush the MM stuff... but you know how it goes. I am in MA like they are, so the hearty plants. grown in the same environment in organic soil really appeals to me. He's mega into uplifting sativa's tho, I think they've only got 1 or 2 real couch lock strains.

Thanks for digging up my post from 2008. If your one-word response means that Neem oil will take care of bud worms, I'm not sure that is accurate. I've always used Neem Oil, and still have worms. I've also used BT and still have worms.

This year I installed a Dyna-Trap and it attracts all kinds of small moths, and I've sprayed with SoluNeem and BT, and I am seeing some worm damage.

Yea, I think anyone / everyone has to really got to develop a multi-faceted IPM approach. Using several organic types of pesticide sprays, beneficial pests & regular sweeps of the plants and surrounding area is the best approach. Start with your routine early in the season, never stop because "you don't see bugs". My early auto crop got worms cause I relaxed my approach given I never saw any bugs. Now that the nights are longer & colder I think moths (and the worms the start as) really kick into high gear.)

For reference I'm using Trifecta, Montery BT & now Urb, along with a lot of checking the plants, shaking them out after rainfall and making sure nothing takes hold early.

Oh, I too am using those yellow tacky paper gnat / small fly traps. Simple and effective.

 

[jbcCT]

I follow a few talented growers and they crush the MM stuff... but you know how it goes. I am in MA like they are, so the hearty plants. grown in the same environment in organic soil really appeals to me. He's mega into uplifting sativa's tho, I think they've only got 1 or 2 real couch lock strains.

Yea, I think anyone / everyone has to really got to develop a multi-faceted IPM approach. Using several organic types of pesticide sprays, beneficial pests & regular sweeps of the plants and surrounding area is the best approach. Start with your routine early in the season, never stop because "you don't see bugs". My early auto crop got worms cause I relaxed my approach given I never saw any bugs. Now that the nights are longer & colder I think moths (and the worms the start as) really kick into high gear.)

For reference I'm using Trifecta, Montery BT & now Urb, along with a lot of checking the plants, shaking them out after rainfall and making sure nothing takes hold early.

Oh, I too am using those yellow tacky paper gnat / small fly traps. Simple and effective.

Funny you should mention don't stop cause you don't see bugs.

One of my favorite things to do when I get home from work is to inspect my plants, at night, with an LED flash light. I've been spraying BT since July and I just picked a worm of a top cola. Now mind you, he was dark brown and he ate some BT but it reminded me, don't stop.

I'm still seeing moths too. DO NOT STOP SPRAYING BOYS. They love that stinky flower and they will destroy your top colas. I just soaked the whole crop. I haven't seen any frass (worm piss & shit) but there is no way I'm losing the show this close to the finish line. Listen to this guy who posted this original response. Do not stop now people. I'm looking clean as can be but If I stop now those nasty worms wanna steal my flower. I've come to appreciate how destructive worms/ caterpillars can be not only on bud but commercial and small produce gardens. They are the destroyer of worlds.

As for massmedical I really love the whole vibe he works off of. Definitely gonna run the star pupil next year.

 

[jbcCT]

On a positive note though, this time last year I was reacting to the problem instead of constantly trying to prevent the problem. I had bud rot on several prized colas. This year I'm in the best shape I've ever been. Counting the worm I pulled tonight it's only the second all year I had a visual on. That was not the case at the end of last summer. Keep fighting the good fight people.

 

[SuperNutz]

Finally got them all BT'ed last night and tonight for the first time in weeks. Wind completely stopped at dark last night so was running out moving the fan around a bunch of times lol. Still a couple weeks without seeing a worm, thinking the yellow jackets are doing most of my heavy lifting. Everyday I see them searching my buds like a honey bee on flowers. Starting to like them so much I don't even swap them when they land on me anymore lol. Next year I'm thinking of getting night vision goggles so I can spray anytime during the night lmao, I'm serious too.

 

[SuperNutz]

Mother fucking son of a whore. Was 0% chance of rain tonight, now I just pull up the radar and there is a blob the size of Wisconsin crossing Lake Michigan coming right at me... ffs, wtf?