If you’re a lover of yarrow plants, you might have experienced the frustration of discovering tiny bugs feasting on your plants. These bugs are known as thrips, and they can cause severe damage to your yarrow plants. Thrips are tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves, flowers, and stems of plants. They are difficult to spot with the naked eye, but their presence can be identified by the damage they cause. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get rid of thrips in yarrow plants.
Thrips are tiny insects that are difficult to spot without magnification. They are typically less than 1/20 inch long and vary in color from yellow to black. Thrips feed on plant sap and cause damage by puncturing the surface of leaves and flowers. This feeding causes silvering or bronzing of leaves, distortion of new growth, and premature flower drop.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some measures you can take to prevent thrips infestations:
If you’ve already discovered thrips in your yarrow plant, here are some control measures you can take:
Neem oil is an effective natural pesticide that will help get rid of thrips in your yarrow plant. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray the solution on the yarrow plant, focusing on the underside of the leaves. This will suffocate the thrips and kill them. Repeat this process every week until the thrips are eliminated.
Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide made from potassium salts of fatty acids. It works by penetrating the thrips’ outer shell and causing dehydration. Mix one tablespoon of insecticidal soap with one quart of water and spray the solution on the yarrow plant, focusing on the underside of the leaves. Repeat this process every week until the thrips are eliminated.
Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites feed on thrips and can help eliminate them from your yarrow plant. You can purchase these beneficial insects from a garden supply store and release them into your garden.
Sticky traps are a non-toxic way to trap thrips in your yarrow plant. These traps consist of yellow or blue sticky cards that attract and trap thrips. Place them around your yarrow plant to catch any thrips in the area.
A: No, thrips are not harmful to humans.
A: It’s best to avoid eating yarrow plants that have been treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Wait for about two weeks after treatment before consuming any part of the plant.
A: Yes, thrips can infest other plants in your garden. It’s important to inspect all plants regularly for signs of thrips infestation.
A: Chemical pesticides should be used as a last resort, as they can harm beneficial insects and contaminate the environment. Try natural control measures first before resorting to chemical pesticides.