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Signs of damage
- The plant becomes paler. If you notice that the plant is discolored and silverish, it is probably because of Thrips.
- Deformation of plant’s growth. This deformation also affects the new growths, making them weaker and wobbly.
- Tiny spots remind the rice in the plant. The naked eye barely notices them, but they can indicate Thrips activity.
- Tiny black specks. Another result of the insect’s activity, these black specks are waste left by them.
How to prevent
Prevention itself is complicated. However, you can minimize the appearance of these insects by cleaning up the plant litter. And when winter arrives, remove all dead plant parts to reduce the possibility of Thrips’ eggs overwintering.
Heal
When you realize that your plant is affected by Thrips, you need to remove them by shower faucet or hose. But do it carefully without overwatering the soil. Neem oil is a must since it is a natural pesticide capable of eliminating most pests. Mix 1 spoon of dish wash with 1 gallon of water and add 2 tablespoons of clarified hydrophobic neem oil (we recommend 1% percent for most infestations or 2% percent for really heavy cases). Spray the whole plant with a solution. The best part of neem oil is that it is not toxic to birds and animals! If the damage is severe and neem oil doesn't help, consider using insecticidal soap.
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