Thrips: Signs, Leaf Damage, and Treatment

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that puncture plant cells and suck out the contents. They are very hard to see.

Identification

• The Damage: Silvery or bronze streaks on leaves.
• The Frass: Tiny black dots (poop) on the leaves.
• The Bug: Rice-shaped, yellow or black, very fast.

The Treatment Plan

1. Blue Sticky Traps

Thrips are attracted to the color blue (unlike gnats, which like yellow). Use blue traps to catch flying adults.

2. Spinosad (Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew)

This is the gold standard for Thrips. It is a biological insecticide that is very effective. Spray thoroughly.

3. Systemic Granules

If you don’t have pets/kids who eat dirt, systemic granules added to the soil will poison the plant sap, killing thrips when they feed.