| or on rockwool blocks in infested areas; they'll do the rest"> First Sign: Leaf surfaces finely speckled with yellow spots. Later, a silvery metallic looking sheen may cover leaf surfaces. Not all Thrips create this sheen. With or without the sheen, you'll also see black specks (Thrip fecal material). Only on close inspection is the pest itself found. About 1/16" long, thrips can move quite quickly for their size. Many gardeners report thrips as a small "worm with legs". Larvae and adults look similar, but adults have wings and can fly Special Species Notes: Most Thrips move down into soil, rockwool or other synthetic growing media to pupate. This is the first stage at which to control Thrip populations, using Predator Nematodes. Often after two months, regular application of Nematodes alone gives good control. However, for heavy or persistent infestations, we recommend using Nematodes in conjunction with above-ground controls. Your choice will depend largely on the environment in your growing area. Normally, Thrips Predator Mites (Amblyseius cucumeris) are most effective under conditions of 70-85% humidity, against all species of Thrips. They will also eat an occasional Spider Mite, and other small pests. However, reports have been poor in low humidity environments, so use these predators in greenhouse and other interior locations with high humidity levels only. Application: Simply sprinkle your Thrips Predator Mites onto plant foliage or on rockwool blocks in infested areas; they'll do the rest. Use 100-500 per plant; or 200,000 per acre, repeated every 2-3 weeks until established. Handy Hint: Insect screening material can be stretched over air intakes to filter many pests out, but you may need larger exhaust fans because of the air restriction. |
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