Thrips are a common pest on both outdoor and indoor plants. They cause damage by feeding on plant sap, destroying plant tissues with their chewing mouthparts. These insects thrive in warm conditions, becoming a bigger problem outdoors during summer months.
Because they are tiny and multiply rapidly, thrips can go undetected until a serious infestation is already underway. Many of the symptoms of thrips are similar to other pests and even some diseases, so it’s crucial to know the source of the problem before treating affected plants.
There are more than 6,000 species of thrips, many of which are harmful to plants. Many species prefer feeding on certain plants, so are often named for the host plant, such as onion thrips, pea thrips, gladiolus thrips, or rose thrips.
What do thrips look like? Thrips are soft-bodied, cigar-shaped insects, reaching just 1/25-inch long. They are brown, black, or yellow; some with colored markings. They have narrow, fringed wings, but are poor fliers. Nymphs look similar to adults, but are smaller and wingless.
Thrips are tiny insects that can cause major damage to aarons beard plants. These pesky bugs suck sap from leaves and flowers, leaving behind telltale signs of infestation like discolored spots, deformed growth, and black fecal droppings. If left unchecked, thrips can severely weaken and even kill aarons beard plants. As an aarons beard plant owner, it’s crucial to know how to identify and get rid of thrips so your prized plant can thrive.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about eliminating thrips from aarons beard plants. including
- Identifying thrips infestations
- Preventative measures
- Natural and chemical treatment options
- Tips for preventing future infestations
How to Identify Thrips on Aarons Beard Plants
Catching a thrips infestation early is key to protecting your aarons beard plant Here are the most common signs that these pests have invaded your plant
- Silvery streaks or blotches on leaves
- Deformed, curled, or blistered leaves
- Discolored or dried out spots on flowers
- Black dots of fecal matter on leaves
- Stunted growth
Thrips themselves are tiny winged insects just 1-2mm long. They can be yellow, brown, or black. Upon close inspection, you may see the small bugs crawling on the leaves and flowers. Thrips tend to hide on the undersides and in the crevices of plant leaves.
If you notice any of these issues, especially coupled with visible bugs on your plant, you can be confident thrips are the culprit. Take action right away before significant damage occurs.
Prevent Thrips from Infesting Aarons Beard Plants
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to plant pests. Here are some tips to help prevent thrips from ever gaining a foothold in your aarons beard plant:
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Quarantine new plants – Isolate any new plants for a few weeks before introducing them to your existing aarons beard plant. This prevents new pests from hitchhiking in.
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Monitor closely – Check your plant thoroughly each week for early signs of thrips or other pests. Catching infestations right away makes treatment easier.
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Promote airflow – Thrips thrive in stagnant air. Ensure your aarons beard plant has adequate air circulation.
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Clean up debris – Remove any dead leaves or flowers where thrips may be hiding.
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Use row covers – Covering plants with fabric row covers blocks access for many flying pests like thrips.
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Attract natural predators – Welcome beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feast on thrips.
Keeping a close eye on your plants and promoting healthy conditions goes a long way in preventing thrips and other pests. But if an infestation does strike, it’s important to take prompt action.
Get Rid of Thrips Naturally
For mild thrips infestations, natural and organic methods can often eliminate the pests without the use of harsh chemicals. Here are some effective natural remedies:
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap sprays are a safe, effective treatment against thrips. The soap disrupts the waxy coating on insect bodies, causing dehydration. Spray leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides, every 5-7 days until thrips are gone.
Neem Oil
Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree. It smothers and repels sucking insects like thrips. Mix neem oil as directed and thoroughly coat leaves, including the undersides. Reapply every 1-2 weeks as needed.
Water Spray
A strong spray of water can wash away and kill thrips. Blast leaves and flowers with water, focusing on the undersides. Repeat every few days for two weeks.
Remove Heavily Infested Areas
Prune off badly infested leaves and flowers. This eliminates thrips populations and prevents them from spreading.
Diatomaceous Earth
This powdery natural substance consists of tiny fossilized shells that cut into insect bodies. Lightly dust leaves with food-grade diatomaceous earth to kill thrips on contact. Reapply after rain or watering.
Insect Traps
Sticky yellow traps lure adult thrips in for capture. Traps won’t fully control infestations but help reduce flying thrips. Replace traps regularly until pests subside.
With persistence, these natural remedies can knock back thrips so your aarons beard plant can recover. But for heavy infestations, sometimes chemical control is warranted.
Chemical Thrips Treatments
If natural methods fail to get rid of thrips, chemical insecticides may be needed. Use extreme caution with any chemical controls and always follow label directions exactly. Here are some chemical options:
Horticultural Oils
Light horticultural oils smother thrips much like neem oil. The oil coats and clogs thrips’ breathing pores. Spray on leaves, especially new growth.
Insecticidal Soap
As mentioned, insecticidal soap is a natural-derived pesticide that kills thrips through dehydration. It often takes repeat applications.
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are botanical insecticides made from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrins quickly knock down thrips but can also harm beneficial insects. Use cautiously.
Spinsoad
Spinosad is a natural bacterium that attacks the nervous systems of thrips. It is effective and safer for plants and bees than other chemical options.
No matter what treatment you choose, always follow directions carefully. Multiple applications spaced 7-10 days apart ensures thrips are targeted at all life stages. Isolate treated plants from pollinators until sprays have dried.
Prevent Thrips from Returning
After winning the battle against thrips, be vigilant in preventing their return. Here are some tips:
- Keep monitoring plants closely for signs of reinfestation
- Remove and destroy any heavily infested plant parts
- Apply preventative treatments of insecticidal soap or neem oil regularly
- Avoid overfertilizing plants, which causes excessive new growth that attracts thrips
- Remove flowers and buds at the end of season to eliminate thrips egg-laying sites
- Maintain proper plant spacing and practice good sanitation in your garden
Thrips are challenging pests, but with persistence and diligence, you can protect your treasured aarons beard plants. Invest in prevention, identify infestations early, and utilize natural and chemical controls as needed. With the right approach, you can outsmart these pesky invaders and maintain gorgeous, healthy plants.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE PRESENCE OF THRIPS
Photo by: Rusty Todaro / Shutterstock
Thrips can be difficult to detect, as they hide under leaf litter, in bark, on the undersides of leaves, inside plant buds or curled leaves. Because they are tiny, they may not be noticed until an infestation is well under way. Here are some of the signs:
Look for thrips waste:
One of the most telltale signs of thrips is the dark deposits they leave behind, sometimes referred to as “thrips poop.” If you see tiny black spots combined with stippled or wrinkled leaves, it’s likely you have thrips.
THRIPS?! How to kill thrips and save your grow.
FAQ
What instantly kills thrips?
Can you save a plant with thrips?
What is the best spray for thrips?
Do thrips ever go away?
Can Aaron’s beard grow under trees?
The plant can adapt to heavy shade while under trees and is vigorous enough to overtake neighboring plants. The best use for Aaron’s Beard is massed and to cover the ground, in edges or slopes, embankments, and border fronts or rock gardens. The more light it gets the faster it grows and the more blooms the semi-evergreen shrub produces.
How to control thrips organically?
Another common pest control method you can use for controlling thrips organically is sticky traps. Different colors attract different types of insect pests (blue and yellow for thrip insects). These can be readily purchased from garden centers, shops, and online. Besides, they are easy to hang near any infected plants, inside or outside the house.
Is Aaron’s Beard a perennial?
The perennial plant is great as ground cover and can reach 24 inches in height. Let’s look at Aaron’s Beard plant care. Hypericum calycinum is known as the Rose of Sharon and hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. Dark green oval leaves give way to an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom from summer to fall.
How do I get rid of thrips in my garden?
A standard recipe is to combine 1 to 2 ounces of essential oil with a gallon of water. Spraying the plants thoroughly helps treat thrips. Essential oils such as orange oil, marjoram, and mint oil seemed successful. Read more on how to use essential oils for gardening.