Ive noticed some plants are loved by insects a lot more than others. I keep insects under control with spray. I quit spraying the plants directly when flowering starts, but I still spray surrounding vegetation with a mixture of animal deterrent and a little insecticide mixed in. I only use sprays that are labeled for residential/garden use, so hopefully not too toxic and they have a good 4 weeks to wear off before harvest. Seems to work for me, typically I only visit plants once every 2 weeks or so, less is better to keep trails down. I had some issues this year with surrounding vegetation overgrowing my plants when they were small, next year Im going to spray 2 foot circles around the plants with roundup when they are planted, just to give them a headstart...