Thrips are very small (less than 1/16", 1.5mm) slender insects from the Thysanoptera family. Thysanoptera means, "bristle wings " or "fringe wings". Adults are usually dark brown or tan in color and have two pairs of featherlike wings. Immature insects are called "Nymphs" and are usually lighter in color than the adults. Thrips are very serious pests in Cambria California and throughout the country. They are mainly seen to attack roses and blooming plants. Both the nymphs and the adults feed by scraping the plant tissue and then sucking out the plant sap. Flowers, fruit and foliage become streaked and distorted. Female Thrips lay fertilized or unfertilized eggs in plant tissue. Most unfertilized eggs develop into males. The life cycle of Thrips is only 2 to 3 weeks, so populations can suddenly explode. In heavy infestations of Thrips, both the flowers and the leaves become discolored and fail to open normally, looking as if they are twisted and stuck together. Leaves may take on a silvery or light brown cast when infested with Thrips.

Suggested solution

We have found a number of ways to control thrip in Cambria California. Neem oil can be sprayed onto the plants. Alternatively, Orthenex garden insect and disease control® spray can be used on ornamentals. It is advisable to spray 2 or 3 times at intervals of 7 to 10 days in order to control Thrips as they hatch.

How to prevent Thrips

We have found the best way to prevent Thrips is to check your plants often and spray as we have described above.

Products we sell at Cambria Nursery & Florist to control Thrips

Neem Oil can be used on vegetables, fruit and ornamentals
Orthenex garden insect and disease control® spray and concentrate can be used on ornamentals