Best Thrips treatment?

[Ad Astra]

Have ID'd a couple thrips. The books seem to call for an insecticidal soap, but which one? I searched the "pests and diseases forum" already.

Speaking of bugs- two books and a 40" Phal "Wedding Procession" followed me home in the last couple days.

The Phal. has seven blooms (!) and a few more coming... the books are "Four Seasons of Orchids" by Allikas/Nash and "Understanding Orchids" by Cullina.

So, who's used which thrips-killer?

Tx.

Mike

[Kyle]

I've used malathion with success

Kyle

[cb977]

I've used Safer's Insecticidal Soap and Bayer's 3-in-1 solution. Both have worked well. The key is to stay aware of what's going on with the plants so you can treat a problem as soon as possible, before it gets out of control.

[Ray]

Insecticidal soaps, in my experience, aren't any better that ordinary dish soap in water. Don't waste your money.

A spray head in a bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol is also effective.

If you want to go commercial, almost any insecticide is effective on thrips.

[camille1585]

I've heard Safer works well. Whatever you chose, you need to treat often.The pupal stage is in the soil and the adults and larvae love to hide in flowers and deep within the plant, so just treating once won't get all of those guys. The thrips life cycle is about 12 days at 70F and slightly longer at lower temperatures.

The problem with thrips is that they are becoming resistant to most broad spectrum insecticides available.I guees I would use the soap. Good luck getting rid of them!

[Lagoon]

I so agree with you Ray. I really believe I've had more success with using dish soap then any of those fancy brand names cides. Most are a waste of money (IMHO)
I've noticed the same thing with all my outdoor greens aswell.
A few drops of dish soap in quart of water and pour thru.
If its that bad then change the media and use the dish soap after.

[Ad Astra]

Tx., all. Got a "Sevin" spray; kills thrips, safe for ornamentals, vegetables- active ingredient carbaryl. Trying sparingly.... on one plant.


Mike

[kiki-do]

Oh my goodness, what on earth is a thrip? I've heard of mealy bugs, scale, snails, slugs, etc....but never a thrip!
What is it, what does it look like...what do you look for?
Another thing, I read in an orchid book where if you stick a used cigarette filter, minus the outer paper wrap...into the medium it is a natural insecticide. I hope that it's true and not harmful....I did this with two orchid plants and seems to be fine so far.
Good luck with getting rid of the thrips ...whatever they are. kiki-do

[Ray]

Thrips

[cb977]

Thanks for that info, Ray