There are some insects that like to feed on your plants’ leaves by piercing and draining the life out of them. The result is a leaf surface that becomes discolored or unattractively flecked or a flower that hesitates to finish blooming. No one wants that.
Let’s learn a little bit more about this life-sucking plant pest and how to prevent thrips to save your precious plants.
Thrips are very small, yellow-brown or black insects commonly found on flowers in summertime. As thin as a needle, most of these insects are less than 5 millimeters long. They all have one thing in common: They crave your plant’s sap.
Though many thrips are winged, they are often reluctant fliers unless there’s a thunderstorm. Then, they’ll take flight in droves, which is why they are also commonly known as thunderflies. Also, you usually never find one thrips on its own; as very social creatures, they are generally found in groups.
There are more than 6,000 species of thrips across the world, so the specific thrips life cycle depends on the species of thrip, as well as the location and host plant.
Generally, though, adults overwinter in plant bark, debris, or other material. In early spring, they become active and make slits in leaf tissue to lay their eggs. One female can lay up to 25 to 50 eggs at one time. The eggs hatch three to five days later, and then they feed on your plant sap.
Baby thrips mature to adulthood quickly and can reproduce themselves within three weeks, which is how populations can build quickly.
While thrips adults have short one-month lives, they can have up to 15 generations per year outdoors, keeping thrips present throughout the growing season.
As an artillery plant grower, one of the most troublesome pests I’ve dealt with is thrips These tiny winged insects can cause significant damage, like distorted growth, spots, discoloration and even death
In this detailed guide, I’ll share proven methods for identifying, preventing and eliminating thrips from your artillery plant collection
What are Thrips?
Thrips are minuscule insects, measuring only 1-2mm in length. They have fringed, slender wings and vary in color from yellowish to dark brown. Thrips damage plants by scraping and sucking the contents from leaves, buds, and flowers.
Infestations often start when thrips are brought in on new plants, They multiply rapidly in warm environments,
Recognizing Thrips on Artillery Plants
Catching thrips early is key to effective management. Here are the most common signs of thrips on artillery plants:
- Silvery scars on leaves from feeding
- Black dots of excrement on leaves
- Distorted, curled growth on new leaves and buds
- Yellowing, spotted or dried leaves
- Drooping or dying flowers
You may also see the thrips themselves on close inspection. Their small size and quick movements make them difficult to spot. Use a magnifying glass to help detect them.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
As with any plant pest, prevention is better than treatment when it comes to thrips. Here are some key tips:
- Quarantine new plants – Isolate for a few weeks before introducing.
- Inspect closely – Check both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
- Remove weeds – Eliminate hiding places and breeding grounds.
- Use screens – Keep out flying thrips from open windows and doors.
- Keep garden clean – Prune leaves, pick up debris.
- Maintain optimal conditions – Healthy plants resist pests better.
Non-Chemical Thrips Treatments
If preventive measures fail and thrips are detected, start treatment promptly to avoid major plant damage. Here are some effective non-chemical options:
1. Water Spray
Thrips dislike moisture. A strong stream of water can help dislodge and kill them. Focus on undersides of leaves and crevices.
2. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap solutions disrupt thrips cell membranes on contact. Spray leaves thoroughly and repeat every 5-7 days.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil and products contain azadirachtin, which repels and kills thrips. Use preventively or for light infestations.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
This powdery dust abrades the waxy coating of thrips, causing dehydration and death. Dust on soil surface and leaves.
5. Predatory Insects
Ladybugs, green lacewings and predatory mites all feed on thrips. Release near infested plants or attract naturally.
6. Sticky Traps
Yellow and blue sticky traps placed near plants capture adult thrips as they fly and breed.
When to Use Insecticide for Thrips
For severe artillery plant infestations, insecticidal spraying is often necessary. Broad spectrum insecticides with pyrethrins or spinosad can eliminate heavy populations.
Take care to completely coat leaf undersides and stems where thrips hide. Follow label directions carefully and repeat applications on a 7-10 day schedule.
Insecticides come with risks, so only use as a last resort. Apply selectively rather than broadcasting over entire garden areas.
Top Tips for Effective Insecticide Use
If insecticide is needed, follow these tips to maximize effectiveness and safety:
- Read and follow all label instructions.
- Test on a small area first to check for leaf burn.
- Spray early morning or evening when pollinators are less active.
- Wear protective clothing, gloves and mask.
- Avoid spraying right before rain or watering.
- Rotate between different mode-of-action insecticides.
- Dispose of unused product properly.
After Treatment: Preventing Re-Infestations
Eliminating thrips takes persistence and continued monitoring even after treatment. Here are some post-treatment measures:
- Remove and destroy heavily infested leaves and plants.
- Continue inspecting closely for signs of re-infestation.
- Apply insecticidal soap weekly for 3-4 weeks.
- Release predatory insects near plants.
- Replace soils and sterilize pots to remove pupae.
- Seal cracks and crevices in garden areas.
Develop a Comprehensive Thrips Management Plan
Battling thrips requires an integrated pest management plan using multiple tactics:
- Start with prevention – quarantine, inspection, garden hygiene.
- Monitor for early detection and quick action.
- Apply non-chemical methods first – sprays, traps, predators.
- Use insecticides selectively and as a last resort if needed.
- After treatment, continue vigilance and prevention.
How to Get Rid of Thrips
Once you spot these pests, thrips control involves using insecticidal soaps and low-toxicity contact insecticides. With any pesticide, always read and follow label directions, using only those products specifically labeled for the pest and plant that needs treatment. Soaps can damage plants and blooms, especially in high temperatures. Read all label instructions carefully prior to use.
Unfortunately, because thrip eggs are protected in plant leaves and their life cycles are brief, thrips pest control can be something you have to continue through the growing season. Contacting a certified landscape and tree care professional who can properly identify and target the pest can also give you a faster plan of attack and help prevent any additional and unnecessary plant damage.
Plants Commonly Affected by Thrips
Thrips feed on woody plants, flowers, fruits, and shade trees. Some of the most commonly impacted include:
Get Rid Of Thrips FAST! How To Treat + Prevent Thrips On Plants ❌
FAQ
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