Thrips Control
Thrips Control: Organic & Biological Solutions for Growers
Thrips are small, fast-moving insects that hide in flowers and leaf crevices, rasping plant tissue and leaving behind silvery stippling, distorted growth, and petal scarring. Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) also vector Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus, making early control critical. A layered biological approach — combining predatory mites, generalist predators, and bioinsecticides — is the most effective and sustainable strategy.
Step 1: Monitor First
Start with yellow sticky traps to track thrips pressure over time. A general action threshold is 15 thrips per sticky card per week — use this as your trigger to introduce biocontrols. (Rutgers pest count thresholds)
Step 2: Introduce Predatory Mites (Foliar)
- Amblyseius cucumeris — targets thrips larvae in flowers and foliage; best used preventatively and consistently
- Amblyseius swirskii — broader diet including whitefly eggs; performs well in warm, humid conditions
Note: These predatory mites only consume younger thrips stages — combine with soil predators and Orius for full life-cycle control.
Step 3: Target Soil-Stage Thrips (Pupae)
- Stratiolaelaps scimitus — predatory soil mite; apply once or twice per crop cycle, establishes readily in most growing media
- Dalotia coriaria (rove beetle) — aggressive soil predator; establishes and self-sustains in many systems
- Beneficial nematodes - infects and kills insect pests in the soil.
Step 4: Add a Generalist Predator for All Stages
- Orius insidiosus (Minute Pirate Bug) — attacks all thrips life stages including adults; strong flyer, moves efficiently through the crop; reproduces when pollen is available. Banker plants support establishment.
Step 5: Knockdown Heavy Infestations with Bioinsecticides
For high-pressure situations, use a bioinsecticide to reduce thrips populations before or alongside releasing beneficials:
- Velifer — fungal contact insecticide (Beauveria bassiana)
- Botanigard ES — highly concentrated Beauveria bassiana formulation
- Circadian Sunrise — botanical oil for contact knockdown
- AzaGuard — Azadirachtin based IGR disrupts thrips development
Shop by Thrips Species
Additional Resources
- Thrips ID Key for Growers — Ontario Floriculture
- Blog Post: Equipped for Thrips
- Not sure where to start? Complete our Grower Questionnaire for a personalized recommendation.
Shop our bestsellers below
Availability
Price
- 1
- 2