Common crops affected
Why it matters
Feeding scars downgrade flowers and fruit, and their virus-vector role can exceed the direct damage; they shelter in buds so infestations build unseen.
When to act
Protect from early growth, before thrips settle into hearts.
What to look for
- Silvery feeding scars and dark frass
- Distorted inner leaves
- Virus symptoms (spotted wilt)
- Contamination and downgrade at pack-out
How to manage it
- Monitor with blue/yellow sticky traps; manage weeds.
- Spray Spider Mite Control into flowers and new growth; repeat every 3–5 days.
Recommended Vegalab program
A registered Vegalab encapsulated insecticide for thrips — see the Product Finder; zero PHI and zero REI.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Spider Mite Control | Natural oils on thrips in flowers/new growth |
| Broader pressure | MultiMite Control | Mixed pest pressure |
Product claims, rates, and availability vary by jurisdiction; always follow the applicable label.