by Marijke Puts 06.05.2023
Thrips insects are quite small measuring less than 1/25 of an inch. They are fitted with piercing and sucking mouthparts which they use to feed. The adults vary in colors ranging from black to yellow and brown. They are also fitted with a pair of wings.
The life cycle of a thrip bug varies depending on the exact species. For most thrips, they live a pretty short life. The adults go dormant during the cold winter season. When the weather becomes more comfortable, they become active.
Thrips feed on a wide variety of ornamental plants and vegetable plants. A few of these are: – Onion plant – Bean plants – Cucumbers – Tomato plant – Begonias – Cyclamen – Busy lizzies – Streptocarpus – African Violets
The damage caused by thrips on plants can be very devastating. Thrips damage on leaves can appear as white patches, brown and silver speckles, or stripes. This is because they damage and kill plant cells while they feed. Thrips also spread certain viruses that could lead to stunted plant growth.
- Do a thorough search on new plants for soil thrips - If the infestation has become too severe to treat, dispose of the plant - use blue and yellow sticky tapes - use Horticultural oils, Insecticidal soaps, Neem oil or Diatomaceous Earth