If your plants have recently begun to appear dull, streaked or strangely discolored, there are tiny moving dots on the leaves and you’re suspicious that something is nibbling away at your vegetation (or sucking its energy), it could be thrips.
They are incredibly tiny insects and can be easy to overlook, but their effects on plants can be significant. Thrips are a pest gardeners tend to notice after they’ve already stressed plants by other means.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what thrips are, how they attack plants, how to identify them in the early stages and — most importantly — how to get rid of them for early.
What Exactly Are Thrips?
Thrips are small, slim insects from an order known as Thysanoptera. The majority of them are only one to two millimetres long. They are so thin and fast-moving that they easily disappear among plants, making them hard to spot without close inspection.
Although their appearance varies slightly depending on the species, most thrips are brown, yellow, or black, and some have thin, fringed wings.
They feed by piercing plant cells with their mouthparts and sucking out the contents. This feeding method leaves behind scarred, silvery patches on leaves and flowers.
Don’t let their appearance fool you, as small as they are, thrips can do real damage if the infestation is not dealt with quickly.
Why Thrips Become a Problem So Quickly
Thrips are especially stressful for plant owners because they are one of the fastest reproducing pests. A female thrip can lay dozens of eggs over her lifetime, and in warm weather those eggs can hatch within just a few days. In some cases, a moth can go from egg to full-grown adult in just 2 weeks.
The other reason they can spread so fast is that they can attack just about any kind of plant. They are found on houseplants, vegetables, fruit trees, flowering plants, shrubs and almost all kinds of herbs.
They are able to move between plants once untreated as they are not host specific.
To make matters worse, certain species of thrips also carry plant viruses. For instance, thrips are a common carrier of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and can devastate entire crops. Early recognition and management are therefore critical.
How to Recognise Thrips Damage on Your Plants
Thrips are small, so most of the time you’ll see the damage first before you notice any bugs. They have a very particular pattern that stands as a fingerprint to help you identifying them even at the distance.
The first thing most people notice is a silvery or bronze sheen on the leaves. This happens because thrips suck the contents out of plant cells, leaving empty patches that reflect light in a strange way. As the damage becomes worse, these patches may turn brown or dry out.
Another warning sign is the appearance of tiny black dots on the leaf surface. These dots are the insects’ droppings. Although small, they are often easy to see once you know what you’re looking for.
Leaves affected by thrips may also curl, twist, or become misshapen. The new growth is usually the most affected because thrips prefer soft, fresh tissues. Flowers may appear streaked or discolored, and buds sometimes fail to open properly.
If you suspect thrips but are not completely sure, you can gently tap a leaf over a white piece of paper. If tiny, fast-moving specks fall onto the paper, you are most likely dealing with thrips.
Understanding the Thrips Life Cycle Helps You Control Them Better
Thrips have different stages of development, and when you are treating them knowing that cycle is also important. Their life cycle starts as an egg, most commonly deposited in plant tissue.
The larvae actively feed on the plant surface after hatching. They later enter a non-feeding stage, often dropping into the soil or hiding in plant debris.
This stage — pupal stage is critical — because many sprays don’t reach insects that are concealed under the soil. Once they pupate, the adult thrips will hatch and feed once more continuing the cycle.
If you only treat the leaves and not the soil, those pupae will turn into adults and infest your plants again. Thus, a successful treatment must focus on both the plant and the soil in which it is growing.
How to Get Rid of Thrips: The Most Effective Methods
Getting rid of thrips requires consistency, not just a single treatment. Below are the most reliable ways to eliminate thrips and keep your plants healthy again.
1. Isolate the Affected Plant
If you notice thrips on a houseplant, move it away from your other plants immediately. Thrips travel easily, and keeping the affected plant separate reduces the chances of the infestation spreading.
2. Wash the Plant Thoroughly
A strong stream of water helps remove a large number of thrips from the leaves. Take the plant outdoors, into a shower, or over a sink and wash it from all angles.
Pay extra attention to the leaf undersides, because thrips often hide there. Although this will not eliminate all thrips, it significantly reduces the population, making other treatments more effective.
3. Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is one of the safest and most effective treatments for both indoor and outdoor plants. It works by dissolving the protective outer layer of soft-bodied insects like thrips. Once this layer is damaged, the insect quickly dehydrates.
To use it properly, coat every part of the plant, including the stems and the underside of the leaves. Because thrips reproduce quickly, the spray should be repeated every few days for at least two to three weeks. Consistency is key, because new larvae may appear even after adults are destroyed.
4. Treat the Plant With Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural product that works in several ways. It interferes with the insects’ hormones, making it difficult for them to reproduce, while also acting as a repellent. When applied regularly, neem creates a protective layer that discourages future infestations.
For best results, mix the neem oil according to the instructions on the label and spray the entire plant. It is helpful to spray during the cooler hours of the day, preferably in the evening, to avoid leaf burn.
5. Use Sticky Traps for Monitoring and Control
Blue sticky traps are extremely effective for thrips because these insects are attracted to this particular color. Place the traps close to the affected plant. They will not remove all thrips, but they greatly help in monitoring whether the population is increasing or decreasing. A decline in trapped thrips usually means your treatment is working.
6. Remove Heavily Damaged Leaves
If some leaves or stems are severely affected, pruning them off can help the plant recover more quickly. This reduces the number of thrips hiding within the plant and encourages healthy new growth. Always dispose of the removed plant material in a sealed bag to prevent insects from spreading.
7. Treat the Soil to Break the Life Cycle
Since thrips pupate in the soil, treating only the leaves is not enough. Adding a light layer of diatomaceous earth on top of the soil can help kill insects that emerge from the pupae.
You can also use neem cake or a mild soil drench to target the hidden stages. Breaking the life cycle is essential for long-term control.
8. Introduce Natural Predators (Garden Use Only)
If you prefer natural control and you are dealing with an outdoor garden, introducing beneficial insects is an excellent option.
Predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites, and minute pirate bugs eat large numbers of thrips. Once released, they help control the population without chemicals.
9. Chemical Control for Severe Infestations
Chemical sprays should be used only when natural and mild methods have failed. Products containing pyrethrin, spinosad, or other insecticides can be effective.
However, it is important to read the label carefully and avoid harming beneficial insects or pollinators. Chemical treatments should be a last resort.
Garden Pests: Spot, Prevent & Control Naturally
How to Prevent Thrips From Returning
Preventing thrips is much easier than treating a large infestation. Regular plant care habits make a big difference.
Check new plants carefully before bringing them inside your home. Many thrips infestations begin with a single nursery plant that goes unnoticed. Maintaining slightly higher humidity indoors also helps because thrips prefer dry environments.
Remember to clean your plants regularly by wiping their leaves or giving them a gentle shower. Plants with clean, healthy leaves are less attractive to pests. Avoid using too much fertilizer, especially nitrogen-rich types, because soft, tender growth draws thrips in.
A monthly neem oil routine is also extremely helpful. It acts as a protective shield and keeps most pests away, not just thrips.
Are Thrips Harmful to People or Pets ?
Thrips may land on you, and you might feel a tiny tickle, but they do not bite humans in any harmful way. They also do not affect pets. Their impact is mainly limited to plants, which is why controlling them quickly is important for plant health but not a cause for personal health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes thrips to appear?
Thrips are attracted to warm, dry conditions and tender new growth. They often arrive on new plants or come indoors through open windows.
Can thrips kill a plant?
If the infestation is severe, thrips can weaken a plant enough to slow its growth, damage new shoots, and in some cases, cause long-term decline. They can also spread viruses that may kill the plant.
How long does it take to eliminate thrips completely?
Most infestations can be controlled within two to four weeks, as long as you follow a consistent treatment routine that targets every stage of their life cycle.
Does neem oil work against thrips?
Yes – neem oil as one the best natural remedies. It reduces feeding, reproducing and stops future infestations.
Why do thrips keep coming back even after I spray them?
This usually happens because the pupae in the soil survive the treatment. They later develop into adults and reinfest the plant. Treating the soil prevents this cycle.
Do thrips fly?
Yes, they can fly short distances, which helps them spread quickly between plants.
