This article takes a look at the different thrips insecticides that can be deployed for purposes of control.
Asides deformation of plant leaves and flowers caused by the feeding action of thrips, these pests also leave behind unsightly patches on fruits, leaves, and flowers.
Generally, thrips invasion of your garden doesn’t end well. You’ll need to take adequate measures to ensure that the problem is arrested.
This has to be done as early as possible and in an effective manner too.
Now, there are several ways of dealing with thrips infestations.
One of the most popular control strategies is the use of insecticides.
Knowing the Extent of the Problem
Before any intervention by way of treatment, you must understand the extent of the pest problem. This simply refers to the level of risk posed by thrips presence.
To help you out, we’ve included certain basic facts you should know of.
First off, not all thrips species are harmful.
Some species are beneficial as they prey on destructive thrips species. These can be deployed as natural predators. However, that isn’t our focus since we’re looking at thrips insecticides.
Thrips suck out plant fluids, thus ruining their development. There are about 6,000 species of these pests.
Thrips are pathogen carriers of multiple plant viruses. What makes their presence more worrisome is the fact that they reproduce at a prolific rate.
Of course, thrips will ultimately lower the quality of your farm produce. Asides sucking the juices or sap of plants, they expose them to diseases through injuries caused.
Insecticide Classification
One of the primary things you need to know about thrips insecticides is the available classifications that exist.
There are two; they include systemic insecticides as well as contact insecticides.
So, what are these about? Let’s discuss each of them.
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Systemic Insecticides For Thrips
Unlike a lot of insecticides which are designed to be sprayed on pests, systemic insecticides function quite differently. From the name alone, you can have an idea of what it’s about.
They’re designed to be applied to parts of the affected plant.
When applied, the insecticide is taken up or absorbed into the plant and distributed to the most vulnerable or edible parts targeted by thrips. These parts include the fruits, leaves, and flowers.
So, whenever thrips ingest or suck out plant sap, they get poisoned which leads to their death.
So, what areas are systemic insecticides used? The main point of application is through the roots. Here, the soil is drenched by the insecticide product until it’s taken up.
This has no adverse effect on the plant but only on parasitic pests like thrips.
Examples of systemic insecticides include Acephate, Imidacloprid, Azadirachtin, Dinotefuran, and Thiamethoxam. Spirotetramat is another thrips insecticide you can use.
An interesting thing about these systemic insecticides is that they can also be used as contact sprays.
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Contact Insecticides
Contact insecticides on the other hand are non-residual insecticides designed to make contact with thrips and other similar parasitic pests.
These are either non-toxic or contain low toxicity to lower the risk of poisoning to other beneficial insects For best results, such insecticides have to apply during the time of day when beneficial insects are less active.
Contact insecticides are made to be bio-degradable. The sunlight may lead to their degradation which in turn keeps beneficial insects safe.
Pyrethrins, Azadirachtin, Natria’s Insecticidal Soap, Dyna-Gro’s Nem Oil, and Monterey’s Spinosad Spray, etc are good examples of contact insecticides.
Best Thrips Pesticide Spray To Buy
When it comes to thrips elimination, multiple strategies could be adopted.
One of those strategies we’re most interested in is the use of insecticides. Speaking of insecticides, there are lots of options to choose from.
The type you choose depends on your specific needs.
This section takes a look at some of the best thrips insecticides you can use. Some of these include Monterey’s Spinosad Spray, Natria’s Insecticidal Soap, and Dyna-Gro’s Neem Oil.
Other insecticides to try out include Valent Safari’s Dinotefuran
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Monterey’s Spinosad Spray
This is a specially formulated insecticide product for a variety of plant pests including thrips. They include foliage feeding worms or caterpillars, leaf miners, and several others.
If you’re looking for a biological insecticide with minimal toxicity, this is the product to trust.
It also helps with the protection of vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit plants as well as shade trees from worms and caterpillar damage.
Monterey’s Spinosad Spray comes in a concentrate formulation that needs to be diluted. Instructions on how to mix or dilute this product are found on its label.
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Natria’s Insecticidal Soap
This is one effective insecticide product for thrips extermination.
Other parasitic pests that can be treated with Natria’s Insecticidal Soap include aphids, mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies among many others.
It’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be used for organic gardening.
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Dyna-Gro’s Neem Oil
This is a bio-degradable neem oil extract that’s used as a leaf polish to fight thrips issues.
Of course, it works excellently on other parasitic insects. It’s best used either early in the morning or late in the evening. Such times are the best periods when it’s most effective.
Application during the hottest time of the day may lead to leaf burns. This is a situation you want to avoid to keep your plants from further damage.
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Valent Safari’s Dinotefuran
If you’re looking for a powerful systemic insecticide to protect your plants from thrips, Valent Safari’s Dinotefuran deserves some trial.
Asides from thrip, other pests killed by this insecticide include whiteflies, Japanese beetles, emerald ash borers, leafminers, and adelgids among many others.
This product comes in multiple variants and sizes.
You only need to find out what works best for your pest situation. With proper application, your plants are safeguarded for extended periods from thrips damage.
Valent Safari’s Dinotefuran can also double up as a curative treatment for pest issues like mountain pine beetle damage.
However, this is only possible when combined with other products like Pentra-Bark Surfactant.
Dealing with a thrips problem doesn’t have to be complicated.
The pesticides mentioned here have been specially formulated for thrips control.
They also have the same effect on a variety of parasitic insects.