thrips

[psj]

Thrip are taking over my collection. I can't seem to find any product that is safe for them.Any suggestions??psj:

[Hobby Orchidist]

Thrips can severely damage the flowers of Vanda's. They will start their work even before you can see the flower spike coming out. They will also damage the roots of your vandaceous orchids. If you see indented rings around the roots of your Vanda's, that is the result of Thrips.

I grow Vanda's outdoors in Miami, Florida. Thrips are a constant problem in this environment. In this environment, I have found nothing that works except Orthene.

However, be careful. You must decide for yourself if you want to use a chemical like this.

Pros:

1. It is very good at controlling thrips. I use it once a month and I have no problems with thrips in an environment that is full of them.

Cons:
1. A toxic chemical.
2. It STINKS BAD.
3. Breathing and skin protection required to apply.
4. No entry into the sprayed area for ONE DAY after spraying.
5. You must READ and UNDERSTAND the directiongs for safe use.

[Choodles]

I've found that a good cleanup in my grow area and hort oil applications, several per week, knock the thrips down to tolerable levels. They like to hide in the pots, under pots, and in spilled medium/fallen leaves, etc.

[davetheorchidaddict]

Spray with Neem Oil mixed in water, nontoxic, smells like onions for a short time. It works so give it a try.

[Brooke]

Read this thread - many different suggestions to eliminate them are offered in it.

What can you tell me about thrips?

Brooke