Sasha CampbellA closer inspection through a magnifying glass may confirm a worrying infestation of plant-feeding thrips. If you are an organic gardener, there are many natural ways to get rid of this pest problem.
Thrips damage results in discoloration and the shedding of leaves and other plant parts. Leaf spots and dwarfing may also occur. The critters may also enter your home on new plants.
Here’s how to get rid of thrips naturally:
1. Soap and Water
A soap and water mixture is a quick and easy home remedy for getting rid of thrips on monsteras, roses, hibiscus, orchids, tomatoes, and other plants.
Therefore, dilute five tablespoons of liquid dish soap in a gallon of water. Next, shake well and spray the homemade solution all over indoor or greenhouse plants.
If the infestation is advanced, a pump sprayer may be better for outdoor plants. You can also pour any leftover soapy water around the base of the plants to kill the developing nymphs (larvae).
2. Spinosad
Another great way to kill thrips on plants is with spinosad, a biological insecticide made by a soil bacterium.
Spinosad is usually combined with other compounds and sold in a dilutable liquid form. It is used to control thrips and other soft-bodied garden pests.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural repellent and pesticide effective against small, soft-bodied insects, including thrips. It is also used as a fungicide.
To use neem oil for thrips, combine two teaspoons of liquid soap with four teaspoons of neem oil and a gallon of water. Shake well and apply this DIY thrips spray directly on the critters to kill them.
4. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is sharp and abrasive to the exoskeleton of many insects.
It is a tried-and-true remedy for dealing with many insect pests in the house and garden. Its dehydrating effect makes it perfect for naturally getting rid of thrips.
Sprinkle it around plants and spread it on the soil in your garden or pots. However, you will need to reapply after rain or watering the garden.
Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of thrips from inside the house. Regular grade is ideal for outdoor garden use.
5. Sticky Traps
Another standard pest control method you can use for organically controlling thrips is sticky traps. Different colors attract different insect pests (blue and yellow for thrips).
These can be readily purchased from garden centers, shops, and online. They are also easy to hang near infected plants, inside or outside the house.
When they come into contact with it, the critters become stuck in the sticky traps and die soon after. Afterward, dispose of the strips with the pests.
6. PyGanic
PyGanic is an excellent organic insecticide for thrips and other insect pests. It contains pyrethrins, compounds derived from some chrysanthemum flowers.
Pyrethrin is usually combined with other ingredients and is available in commercial sprays.
7. Natural Predators
One of the successes of organic gardening is attracting natural predators.
These natural enemies include lacewings and predatory mites, but the star of these predators is the ladybug. Although small and pretty, the ladybug kills many garden pests.
The thrips predator (Amblyseius cucumeris) also eats the eggs and larvae of thrips.
Some of these creatures eat pollen and nectar. Therefore, planting attractive flowers like marigolds, borage, and dill may invite them to your garden.
8. Essential Oils
A few drops of essential oils, diluted with water, can make a powerful spray against bugs and insects.
A standard recipe combines 1 to 2 ounces of essential oil with a gallon of water. Spraying the plants with this solution helps to treat thrips.
Essential oils such as orange, marjoram, and mint oil seemed successful. Read more about using essential oils for gardening.
9. Vacuuming
Using your vacuum is a smart way to prevent thrips from taking over. The critters are so lightweight that gusts of wind transport them from plant to plant.
Therefore, removing them with a vacuum cleaner that will suction them into a disposable dust bag is relatively easy.
Gently running a small, handheld vacuum along and under the stems and leaves of plants will eliminate the present thrips.
10. Eliminate Grass and Weeds
Keeping a garden clean is one way to reduce infestations of unwanted insects. Regular weeding and clearing up dead leaves or debris will help.
11. Kaolin Clay
This natural mineral creates a protective barrier when applied to leaves and fruits. However, it must be mixed with water and applied with a sprayer.
Kaolin clay helps deter thrips from feeding. This organic thrips treatment works well for houseplants and those outside.
12. Pruning
Regular pruning to cut off infested plant parts is another remedy for thrips control.
Pest thrips can damage leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. So, an infestation might require heavy pruning.
13. Use the Hose
Using the hose is a simple DIY method for getting rid of thrips.
Not all species of these tiny insects are good flyers, and they find moving around in moist air challenging.
As a result, using the hose to mist plants can restrict their movement.
14. Pest-Repelling Plants
Basil, marigolds, and garlic are among the plants that repel thrips. Plant them in your garden to help keep the critters away.
Takeaway
Many species of thrips, also called thunder bugs, storm flies, or thunder flies, are recorded today, and possibly the number is even higher. Some are beneficial in killing and eating other pests, but most are a nuisance to gardeners.
The pest’s color ranges from black to yellow, brown, or translucent white. Using the natural methods above to control trips may mean that you can enjoy vibrant plants again.
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