Cultural Control

Cultural Control:

Keep plants healthy by giving them adequate water and fertilizer, however do not over water, or apply too much fertilizer as you may encourage thrips populations. In extreme cases you could put insect screens over smaller plants, or put down reflective mulch, which may repel thrips.

Reflective Mulch or mesh confuses and repels certain flying insects searching for plants, apparently because reflected ultraviolet light interferes with the insects’ ability to locate plants. Most uses of reflective mulch have been against winged aphids, but infestation of young plants by other pests including leafhoppers, thrips, and whiteflies has also been prevented or delayed.

Various materials, such as polyethylene plastic film, can be used. Silver or gray is the most effective color for reflective mulch or mesh, but white also works. Commercially available products include aluminum-metalized polyethylene and silver-embossed polyethylene from suppliers. Aluminum foil may be used on a small scale, such as for a home garden.