Thrips

[Elitebettas]

Hi guys,
I've been absent for a while, since my orchids have been doing very well and blooming on schedule, but this year I have a BIG problem. Thrips have somehow managed to know off buds before they open, strip leaves off my hard cane dendrobiums (ooo it hurts just writing this lol), and attacked cattleya roots. PLEASE, does anyone know something that will eradicate this pest? I'm really looking for something I can spray on the plants that will leave some type of residue toxic to them. I'd show bloom pics, but many this year are marred by the effects of these disgusting creatures-and hurry-now they've turned their attention to the Vandas!

[JoeW]

This not good news. Heavy infestations can be difficult to deal with. For chemical weapons, see
Insect and Arthropod Pest Identi
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTN...tml#MANAGEMENT
Scroll down to Thrips.

[clintdawley]

I would recommend trying organic Neem oil first...I've successfully used it on thrips, scale, fungus, spider mites...

I don't even dilute it. I leave it on the canes and leaves straight out of the bottle and leave it on the plants out of direct sunlight for a few days and then rinse the leaves...works like a charm.

[Gin]

Hey Clint that is good to know , thanks for the info . Thanks Joe! great link I bookmarked it ... Gin

[Elitebettas]

Thanks guys, very helpful, I've noticed a few, not too many but I definately want to nip it in the bud before they take over

[Richard in Encinitas]

I had a bad problem with thrips last summer (outdoor growing area) and was able to knock them down with Monterey Garden Insect Spray. The key active ingredient is "Spinosad". There are other products containing this, such as "Conserve". I sprayed three times about 2 weeks apart. It worked great. My collection is mostly Cattleyas. The spray can cause premature wilting of open flowers, but my plant showed no damage or other ill effects. Long term residule action seemed minimal. It seems to work by contact, so wet plants and potting medium thoroughly. Thrips may be coming in from neighboring plants, landscaping, fields, etc, so you may need to identify the source.