What are Thrips? Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause significant damage to plants by sucking the sap out of leaves and flowers. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but there are a few ways to check for thrips on your plants:
1. Look for damage: Thrips damage can manifest as streaks or silvery/brown patches on leaves, as well as distorted or discolored flowers. If you notice this type of damage on your plants, it's a good indication that thrips may be present.
2. Check for insects: Thrips are small, slender insects that range in color from yellow to brown or black. They are typically less than 1mm long and can be difficult to see without a magnifying glass. Look for them on the undersides of leaves or on the buds and flowers of your plants. They are generally the most active at dawn and dusk and will hide in substrate during the day and evenings. This means you might not see them if looking during your usual hours.
3. Use a sticky trap: Sticky traps are a simple and effective way to monitor for thrips. Place a yellow or blue sticky trap near your plants and check it regularly for thrips or other insects.
4. Shake the plant: Another way to check for thrips is to gently shake the plant over a piece of white paper. This will dislodge any insects that may be hiding on the plant, making them easier to see.
If you do find thrips on your plants, it's important to take action quickly to prevent further damage. There are several methods of controlling thrips, including using insecticidal soap or neem oil, introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings, or simply removing and destroying infested plant material.
And yes, ladybugs do eat thrip larvae. Ladybugs are natural predators of thrips and their larvae, and they are often used as a biological control agent in agricultural settings to manage thrip populations. Ladybug larvae are particularly effective at controlling thrips as they are voracious feeders and can consume large quantities of thrip larvae in a single sitting!