Thrips are small insects only a few millimeters in size that are known by various names. For example, they are popularly known as thunderbirds or fringed winged birds, and because of their adhesive blisters on their feet they are also called blistered feet. They reproduce very quickly.
How can I fight thrips effectively?
To effectively combat thrips, isolate the infected plant, wash the leaves with a garlic or detergent solution and, if necessary, use natural predators such as lacewings or predatory mites.
Since thrips can fly, they spread quite quickly and soon infect other plants. There are numerous different types of thrips, but not all thrips cause lasting damage to plants.
How do I detect a thrips infestation?
Thrips occasionally occur on orchids that have hard leaves, for example on the Cattleya. Here they pierce the cell surface of the leaves and suck out individual cells. The typical damage pattern is silvery, light spots on the leaves, preferably on the underside of the leaves.
Dark spots may appear later. Most of the time this is a “cosmetic” problem; the leaves are only permanently damaged in severe infestations. To prevent this from happening, you should do everything you can to get rid of the thrips quickly.
When do thrips appear?
Thrips like it warm and dry. This is why they mainly occur in winter when the air from the heating system is dry. But you should also check your orchids for these pests in spring, when it slowly starts to get warm again. If the thrips remain undetected, consequential damage can occur. Fungi or bacteria nest and spread.
How can I fight thrips?
First make sure that no other plants are infected by the thrips and quarantine the infected plant. If the infestation is small, use a home remedy. A tea made from garlic or water with dishwashing soap is a good way to wash off the affected leaves.
If there is a severe thrips infestation, washing the leaves may not be enough. Here you should shower the entire plant with a strong jet of water. The pests should not reach the soil, otherwise they will quickly return to the plant. A plastic bag that you pull over the flower pot and secure tightly can prevent this.
Thrips have several predators that you can use to combat them. This method is considered particularly natural and gentle on infected plants. You can get various beneficial insects such as lacewings or predatory mites from specialist retailers.
The most important things in brief:
- tiny little insects
- suck out the leaf cells
- Flowers rarely affected
- recognizable by silvery dots
- possibly dark spots on the leaves later
- serious damage only in severe infestation
- Infection by fungi or bacteria possible
Tip
Before you resort to chemicals, try fighting the thrips with home remedies such as garlic or a dish soap solution. This is better for the plant and is good for the environment.
