Help - Found a few spiderweb strands right before harvest!

[Kazman420]

A little while ago I noticed a few spiderweb strands on my girl. There were about half a dozen little strands, (not full webs), going from one cola to the next and on a few sugar leaves going to fan leaves. They were NOT there 24 hours ago. I looked at the buds with a microscope and underneath some of the leaves and I didn't see any mites.

There's a chance it's just a regular web since I am growing in a room in my basement. (The room is fairly well sealed and I keep it clean, but it's still a basement and I don't have a tent). Additionally last night I removed a few panels from the drop ceiling in preparation for a new light. I'm really hoping that I simply disturbed whatever was up there when I did that.. I didn't see any webs/strands on the middle or bottom, which also makes me think they came from the ceiling. I'm in Coco and it's day 82 so it seems kinda odd to develop a spider mite problem this late, though I'm sure it's possible.

I was planning on chopping on Monday, but now I'm obviously going to do it today. I hadn't even fully decided on a wet/dry trim, although I was leaning towards dry. At this point I'm thinking the fan leaves need to go regardless of the drying method. I'd really appreciate some advice on this because I'm freaking out. I know some people like to wash their buds (particularly outdoor growers). Is that something to consider? What's the best way to proceed?

I'm going to be devastated if I lose my first grow right at the finish line.

 

[Kazman420]

Last night I took off a few of the bigger fan leaves in preparation for harvest and this morning I spotted a new web strand:

I still don't see any mites, so I'm hopeful they are regular spiders that came down from the ceiling. Still thinking I should harvest ASAP..

What's everybody's thoughts?

 

[Ryno_nuggs]

Pretty buds you got there. In my experience, by the time I see webs from mites, it is a pretty severe infestation. I have never seen just a web or two either. They will cover the buds in webbing rather quickly.

If you don't see any signs under the leaves, I think you are fine. I always see them under the leaves way before any webbing.

Hope that help!

Good luck growing

 

[Kazman420]

Yes, thank you very much for the reply! I was totally freaking out.

I removed a bunch of fan leaves last night and I didn't see anything under them. I'll check again though just to make sure. I'm so close to harvest that I panicked. Also scared that I'm going to wake up and see an infestation while they are hanging/drying.

 

[Ryno_nuggs]

You should definitely see them under the leaves. The first tell tale sign for me is little yellow/brownish spots on the top of the fan leaves sprinkled all over.. Then a quick flip of the leaf and they are very noticeable. Extremely small though, you won't be able to tell it's a mite if you have anything less than perfect vision.. they are just a bunch of little dots, from light green to dark brown, they very in size as well.

I would not rush the harvest. If they need more time you should be fine. Just keep an eye on the fan leaves.

 

[Bob's Auto's]

I think Ryno hit the ball with his answer. Take as many high res pictures from the underside of the leaves. Try to get them as sharp as possible and then search for mites on the pc. On the pictures you added I can't see any mites, so remove the strand and check back tomorrow.
You're almost there buddy, now is not the time to panic and definitely don't use any chemicals as these will probably end up in you joint

 

[Kazman420]

Yeah I totally freaked out when I saw them, but between the replies here and the advice in the chat channel, I feel much better now. I'll keep a close eye on her and monitor the leaves every day until harvest.

But seriously, this is why I need to start smoking weed again.. I have too much anxiety! lol. Thanks again! I really appreciate it!

 

[Peacefulgarden]

How is It going?

 

[Kazman420]

How is It going?

Thanks for checking in and asking @Peacefulgarden!

No new webs have appeared and I never saw anything on the leaves. It had to have been a regular spider that came down from the ceiling after I removed some panels. He must have moved on. My grow room is very clean and I don't have any other pests at the moment. *Knocks on Wood*. So no food for him, hehe.

I also spent a good hour getting pics of her trichomes with different light sources and they are super cloudy but no amber. I was previously looking at them with the HPS on and it caused everything to look reddish. (Newbie mistake, but a learning experience). So I decided to wait a few more days.

 

[Peacefulgarden]

Thanks for checking in and asking @Peacefulgarden!

No new webs have appeared and I never saw anything on the leaves. It had to have been a regular spider that came down from the ceiling after I removed some panels. He must have moved on. My grow room is very clean and I don't have any other pests at the moment. *Knocks on Wood*. So no food for him, hehe.

I also spent a good hour getting pics of her trichomes with different light sources and they are super cloudy but no amber. I was previously looking at them with the HPS on and it caused everything to look reddish. (Newbie mistake, but a learning experience). So I decided to wait a few more days.

That’s great. Spider mites so bad, let alone when flowering/buds and trichomes. May as well throw the plant into your neighbors back yard. Imo