How To Get Rid Of Thrips (in Canada)

November 23, 2023

Thrips are a pesky plant pest that can be a real headache to kick out. These little guys can reproduce asexually, meaning just one bug can start a full-blown infestation, and trust me, they multiply FAST!

Thrips don't just stick to the surface – they go deep. You'll spot adults on the leaves, but they're sneaky, hiding inside the leaves, munching away, and laying eggs. So, just getting rid of the ones you see on the leaves won't cut it. And of course, they're not just leaf lovers; they'll also invade the soil, mess with the roots, and wreak havoc on all your plants. And guess what? THEY ALSO FLY! So, they'll happily flutter over to your other plants. It's a nightmare. Dealing with these troublemakers usually calls for a heavy hitter – a systemic insecticide to wipe them out completely. Systemic insecticides are absorbed and circulated throughout a plant (not just applied topically) to protect it from insects that feed on it.

How To Know If You're Dealing With Thrips?

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that have fringed wings. They are usually about 1 to 2 millimeters in length, and their bodies can range in color from yellow to brown or black. Check your plant to see if you can spot them.

thrips on plants

Check the leaves

Leaves will have sure signs if thrips damage, which typically appears as silver or bronze streaks, discolored spots, and patches, often resulting in a shiny or silvery appearance on the upper leaf surface. The feeding activities of thrips may lead to leaf distortion, curling, and the presence of tiny black fecal specks. If you can't quite see them, get a simple magnifying glass to help. We like this one that comes with LED lights for an even better view.

Check The Soil

Take a peek at the soil too – you'll probably catch these buggers scurrying around, especially if you give the pot a little shake.

If you confirm a thrip invasion, gear up and jump into action pronto. Even if you're already dealing with a full-blown infestation, there's still hope, but you've got to act fast.

How To Get Rid Of Thrips?

There are several effective products for eliminating thrips, but unfortunately, most of them are not available in Canada due to their levels of toxicity that can harm the environment. Do not despair – we've got a couple of Canadian-friendly moves for you:

1. Isolate

If you’re lucky enough to have some plants that haven't been infected, quickly isolate the one(s) that are infected to avoid affecting you entire collection.

2. Prune and Remove Infested Plant Parts

Trim and remove heavily infested plant parts. Thrips tend to concentrate on young, tender shoots, so pay close attention to those areas.

prune thrips infected plant

3. Physically Remove Visible Bugs

If possible, manually remove all adult thrips that you see on your plants. You can also roughly spray-down your entire plant with water to push thrips off of them.

4. Change The Soil

If the thrips have infested the soil, you can try two things:

a. Prepare a soil drench with a safe insecticide like Lost Coast Therapy

b. Change the soil completely: If you’ve got an infestation on your hands, you might need to repot. Throw out the old soil, wash the entire plant, spray it with insecticide, and then repot with new potting mix, and then do a soil drench.

5. Water Management

Thrips are often attracted to stressed plants. Ensure that your plants are well-watered, but be careful not to overwater, as this can create other problems. Use a soil moisture meter to determine if your plant needs to be watered or not.

6. Beneficial Insects

Introduce beneficial insects such as predatory mites or lacewings, which feed on thrips. This can be an effective biological control method. Here are a couple of places where you can find them at:

7. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a powder that damages the exoskeleton of insects. Dusting plants with food-grade diatomaceous earth can help control thrips because, during a specific stage of their life cycle, thrips descend to the ground to pupate. At this point, the diatomaceous earth acts to eliminate them before they have the chance to ascend back onto the plants. You can find this at your local nursery or online.

8. Sticky Traps

Place yellow sticky traps near your plants. Thrips are attracted to the color and will get stuck on the traps. This will help reduce the adult population.

9. Pesticides

While some heavy-duty options, like Spinosad or Bonide, are off the table in Canada, there's one 'concentrate' by Lost Coast Therapy that's effective, non-toxic, and easy to use. It tackles thrips, aphids, mites, fungus gnats, etc. Spray it all over your plant and use as a soil drench to hit them where it hurts. Apply in the early morning or late afternoon when thrips are most active. Just follow the instructions on the label, and you're on your way to a thrip-free zone!

In the battle against thrips, persistence and a proactive approach are your best allies. Be consistent and DON'T STOP until they're gone. These pesky plant invaders may be a challenge, but with the right strategies you can safeguard your green companions. By following these tips and embracing a holistic approach to plant care, you'll not only rid your space of thrips but also cultivate a thriving and resilient garden. Happy gardening, and may your plants flourish pest-free!

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