
Thrips damaged fuschia flower
- Thrips are very tiny insects, 1-2mm long. They are slender with narrow wings fringed with hairs. They may be white, yellow, brown or black.
- The immatures are smaller and usually white or yellow.
- There are several generations.
- Some species overwinter in the soil; others die in winter are replaced in the spring by populations migrating in from the south.
- Some thrips may feed on only one plant species, while others are general feeders on the flowers and leaves. Some thrips species feed only on pollen and cause no damage.
- Others suck plant juices in a linear pattern that looks like irregular white streaks and give a silvery appearance to damaged leaves. Some species may deposit minute black fecal spots on leaves.
- On flowers, damage appears as white or brown blotches.
Management
- Thrips generally do not require control in the home. They are usually brought in on infested plants.
- Dispose of severely damaged plants.

Closeup of thrips

Damage to flower petals