I have been keeping mites at bay through out my grow, and am now close to harvest, and am worried that while my budds are hanging out to dry, the mites will be sucking the life out of my lovely budd.
Has anyone got any facts, knowledge, or good old fashion experience on this?? Any advice would be appreciated as I don't want the lose the battle so close to the end.
Happy growing
Hey HM,
1.) Mites are like leeches, they feast on live prey. Once a plant is harvested, the leaves begin to dry out and the flow stops. Thus, the juice or intestial fluid is gone, and they can not feed.
The mites will look for other food - if they can not feed. Some will hang around, but then will die.
Ultiumately, Mites do not suck out THC. So what's built up on and in ones buds is still gonna be there, regardless of any minor temporary sucking like maybe a day after picking).
Prudence would suggest, that a farmer that has to harvest a plant with mites, does not dry nor cure his crop near other growing plants - as mite walk, and they will just walk-on-over to the live plants.
Practical knowledge: I have taken infested leaves, put them in a jar with a sealed lid, and come back in two days... and all mites are dead.
Peace be with you,
calibuzz