Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of roses, causing damage and deformity. They can be difficult to control, as they are small and fast-moving, and they often hide inside the plant's foliage. However, there are several steps you can take to help reduce thrips populations and protect your roses.
Thrips on Flowers:
Some Examples of Damage:
- Keep your garden clean: Thrips thrive in dirty, cluttered gardens, so regular cleaning and maintenance can help to reduce their numbers. Remove any debris or fallen leaves from around the base of the plant, as this can provide a breeding ground for thrips.
- Use physical barriers: Thrips are attracted to the color blue and yellow, so you can use blue/yellow sticky traps to capture them.
- Apply insecticides: If the infestation is severe, you may need to use an insecticide to kill the thrips.
- Practice good cultural practices: Thrips are more likely to infest stressed or damaged plants, so it's important to keep your roses healthy and well-maintained. Water them regularly, fertilize them appropriately, and prune them to promote healthy growth.
By following these steps, you can help to reduce thrips populations and protect your roses from damage. Remember to monitor your plants regularly and take action as soon as you notice any signs of thrips infestation.
Insecticides that we recommend are:
- Natural Pyrethrum: Great general insecticide
- Eco Neem Oil: Natural oil, great Knockdown and feeding deterrent.
- Success Ultra: Make from soil bacteria, the best thrip knockdown spray.
