Proven Strategies to Control Thrips Naturally and Chemically

Thrips are small but persistent pests that can wreak havoc on a variety of plants. These insects are notorious for damaging our plant babies by puncturing plant cells and feeding on their contents. Thrip control can be challenging, especially given their rapid reproduction rates and resistance to many traditional control methods. Fortunately, several effective strategies, ranging from chemical insecticides to biological controls, offer reliable means for reducing thrip population and protecting our plants.

1. Chemical Insecticides for Thrips Control

Insecticides such as imidacloprid and spirotetramat, when applied, have shown high efficacy in reducing thrips populations, particularly in difficult-to-spray areas such as flowers. This method is both effective and minimizes pesticide residue in the fruit (Fu et al., 2020).

Imidacloprid-Based Products

Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that moves through the plant’s vascular system, effectively targeting pests like thrips, aphids, and whiteflies.

Premise: This imidacloprid-based product is primarily used in termite control, particularly for pre-construction treatments and soil applications around structures. Although it’s not directly aimed at thrips, Premise® highlights the versatility of imidacloprid for various pest control needs.
Temprid FX: A powerful combination of imidacloprid and beta-cyfluthrin, Temprid FX is effective against indoor and outdoor pests, including ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs. Though primarily for household pests, this product showcases the reach of imidacloprid-based solutions.
Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control: 3-in-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control: This multipurpose product, common in home gardening, offers protection against thrips, mites, and diseases on flowers, roses, and shrubs, providing systemic plant protection and pest control.

Spirotetramat-Based Products

Spirotetramat is another systemic insecticide effective against thrips. It inhibits pest growth and development by moving through the plant’s vascular system, reaching hidden pests in hard-to-access areas.

Bayer Advanced 706220B Rose & Flower Insect: Certain versions of this product contain spirotetramat, targeting aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking pests on roses and flowering plants. Always check the label to confirm the formulation.
Ortho MAX: Select formulations include spirotetramat, effective for home gardeners aiming to control thrips on ornamental plants. This product is a convenient choice for non-professional users who need effective thrips control.

2.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Sustainable Thrips Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach combining multiple pest control methods, including biological controls, plant resistance, and minimal pesticide use. Biological control agents like entomopathogenic fungi are beneficial components of IPM that reduce thrips populations without harming the environment. Mouden et al., 2017

Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control Agents

Entomopathogenic fungi infect and kill insects, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. These fungi are available in various products targeting thrips and other soft-bodied pests, helping growers and gardeners manage pests effectively and sustainably.

Beauveria bassiana: This fungus species targets soft-bodied pests, including thrips, whiteflies, and aphids, by infecting and ultimately killing them. Products containing Beauveria bassiana are widely used in greenhouses and agriculture.
- BotaniGard: Containing the GHA strain of Beauveria bassiana, BotaniGard is a popular choice for controlling thrips, whiteflies, and other pests in greenhouses and nurseries.
- Mycotrol: Similar to BotaniGard®, Mycotrol® is effective in organic production, making it a favorite for field and greenhouse applications.
- BioCeres WP: This water-dispersible powder is effective on ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruit crops, offering a versatile solution for thrips control.
Metarhizium anisopliae: Known for targeting soil-dwelling pests, this fungus is especially useful in agricultural settings.
- Met52: Containing Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52, Met52® is effective on thrips and root-feeding pests like weevils and white grubs. It is used in turf, ornamental plants, and greenhouses.
Isaria fumosorosea: Previously known as Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, this fungus is effective against thrips, whiteflies, and aphids.
- Preferal: This product is effective in controlling thrips and other soft-bodied pests in greenhouse and nursery settings.
- NoFly WP: Suitable for ornamental plants and vegetable crops, NoFly WP targets thrips and is labeled for use on a wide range of plants.
Cordyceps (formerly Lecanicillium) spp.: This genus of fungi includes several species effective against aphids and thrips in greenhouse settings.
- Vertalec: Containing Lecanicillium lecanii, Vertalec® is commonly used in greenhouses for aphid control, adding an extra line of defense for sensitive plants.
- Mycotal: Another product containing Lecanicillium lecanii, Mycotal is effective against thrips and whiteflies on greenhouse crops.

Combination Products:

Certain products combine multiple entomopathogenic fungi, offering a broad spectrum of pest control.

Bio-Pest: A combination product, Bio-Pest may include Beauveria bassiana and other biological agents, depending on the formulation. It is widely used in IPM programs for controlling a variety of pests.
PFR-97™ 20% WDG: Containing Isaria fumosorosea, this versatile product effectively targets thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and other soft-bodied insects, suitable for IPM strategies.

Implementing an Integrated Approach to Thrips Control

To effectively control thrips, it’s beneficial to use a combination of chemical and biological strategies. For example, using imidacloprid and/or spirotetramat based insecticides at the beginning of the growing season can quickly reduce thrips populations, followed by Entomopathogenic fungal treatments for ongoing maintenance.

Combining these methods in a targeted IPM program enhances long-term protection against thrips without relying solely on chemical treatments, thus reducing environmental impact.