How to Easily Kill Thrips

Thrips are miniscule winged insects that are no more than one-twentieth of an inch long. Their coloring varies, but may include white, yellow or black. The insects feed on developing plant foliage, draining the moisture from the leaves and causing them to become misshapen or to develop discolored lesions. They attack a variety of flowers, shrubs and food crops, and they may spread harmful viruses among the plants they feed on. Healthy trees and shrubs often survive a thrip infestation, while weak or immature plants are likely to die if control measures aren't taken.

Yellow sticky traps
Insecticidal soap
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Place yellow sticky traps around plants that you believe are infested with thrips. Inspect the traps daily for signs of the insects.
- 2
  Treat with insecticidal soap if a thrip infestation is confirmed. Read and follow package directions carefully. Reapply the soap every five to 10 days. Take special care to thoroughly cover newly emerging buds, as the insects prefer to feed on this portion of the plants.
- 3
  Prune damaged growth back to the closest healthy stem or branch. Avoid trimming the plants extensively because this promotes new growth, which attracts thrips.
- 4
  Replace the sticky traps as needed so that the thrip population may be monitored.
- 5
  Treat as often as necessary with insecticidal soap to control the infestation.

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