What are Thrips? What do they do to my garden & ideas on how to manage them.

Thrips are tiny insects that feed on plants. They are slender and have fringed wings, and they can be various colors including brown, black, and yellow. Thrips are often found on flowers and leaves, where they feed on plant cells and can cause damage to the plant.

To identify thrips, you can look for the following signs:

1. Damage to plants: Thrips can cause scarring or discoloration on leaves, and they may cause flowers to become deformed or to wilt.

2. Frass: Thrips leave behind small black or brown specks of excrement on leaves and flowers, which is known as frass.

3. Presence of thrips: You can try to spot thrips by looking closely at the leaves and flowers of your plants. They are small and can be difficult to see, so you may need to use a magnifying glass.

There are several ways to manage thrips:

1. Use sticky traps: These can be placed on the plants to capture thrips as they move around.

2. Prune infected plants: Removing infected plant parts can help to reduce the population of thrips.

3. Use natural predators: Some insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, eat thrips and can help to control their population.

4. Use chemical pesticides: If the infestation is severe, you may need to use a chemical pesticide to kill the thrips. However, it is important to use these products according to the instructions on the label to avoid harming beneficial insects or other animals.

There are several insecticides that can be used to control thrips. Some common active ingredients include:

1. Pyrethroids: These are synthetic insecticides that are similar to natural pyrethrins, which are found in chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroids are often effective against thrips, but they can also be toxic to beneficial insects.

2. Neonicotinoids: These insecticides work by affecting the nervous system of insects. They are often effective against thrips, but they can also be harmful to beneficial insects and pollinators.

3. Organophosphates: These insecticides work by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme in the nervous system of insects. They are often effective against thrips, but they can also be toxic to humans and other animals.

It is important to choose an insecticide that is specifically formulated to target thrips and to follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects or other animals. It is also a good idea to use the least toxic option that is effective for your situation, and to try to use mechanical or cultural control methods whenever possible.