What are thrips and what symptoms do they produce?
Thrips are small, elongated insects that feed on plant sap, affecting crops, orchards and ornamentals. They can be recognized by observing their narrow, dark or pale yellow body and their rapid movement when shaking the leaves. The damage they cause is noticeable as silver or whitish spots on leaves and petals, accompanied by small black dots that are their excrement. They can also deform buds and flowers, and transmit viruses. Their presence weakens the plant and reduces its development, flowering or production. Detecting them in time is key to controlling their progress.
Home remedies for mites
Garlic and chili infusion
A garlic and chili infusion is a natural remedy for eliminating mites like the red spider. The garlic acts as an insecticide, and the chili irritates them, causing them to repel. Its strong scent also helps keep them away, so it works as a repellent.
How to prepare it?
-Peel a head of garlic (8 to 10 cloves)
-Crush the garlic cloves
-Add 1 or 2 hot chilies (fresh or dried)
-Crush the chilies as well
-Bring 1 liter of water to a boil
-Add the garlic and chili mixture to the water
-Boil for 10 minutes
-Let cool
-Strain the mixture
-Put the liquid in a spray bottle
How to use it correctly?
Spray the entire plant, especially under the leaves. Do this in the evening to avoid direct sunlight. Repeat every 3 or 4 days if there are a lot of mites, and once a week for prevention. Don't use it in strong sunlight or if it's going to rain. Test on a leaf first and wear gloves if possible.
Potassium soap and neem oil
Potassium soap cleans the plant's surface and damages the thrips, facilitating their elimination. Neem oil acts as a natural insecticide, affecting their nervous and hormonal systems, preventing them from feeding and reproducing. Together, they are very effective in reducing and controlling this pest.
How to prepare it?
- Fill a liter with warm water
- Add 10 ml of liquid potassium soap
- Stir until completely dissolved
- Add 5 ml of pure neem oil
- Mix well until the liquid is smooth
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle
How to use it correctly?
Apply the mixture to affected leaves, both above and below, once every 5 to 7 days until the thrips disappear. Do this at dusk or on cloudy days to avoid sunburn. Do not apply if it's raining or during very hot weather. Shake well before use and prepare only the amount needed for the day.
Horsetail
Horsetail contains silica and natural compounds that strengthen plants and act as a repellent against mites, hindering their development and reproduction. It also helps improve the plant's overall resistance to pests.
How to prepare it?
- Take 100 grams of fresh horsetail or 20 grams of dried horsetail
- Cut it into small pieces
- Place it in 1 liter of water
- Boil for 15 minutes
- Let it cool, covered
- Strain the infusion to separate the plant residue
- Pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle
How to use it correctly?
Spray the entire plant, especially the undersides of the leaves, once a week to prevent or every 3 days if mites are visible. Apply at dusk or on cloudy days. Do not use on rainy days. Store the infusion in a cool place and use it within a week.
Garlic and onion infusion
Garlic and onion infusion acts as a natural repellent for mites due to the insecticidal properties of both ingredients. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that disrupt the mites' respiratory system, while onion acts as a repellent and has antifungal effects that help prevent secondary infections.
How to prepare it?
- Peel and chop 2 garlic cloves and 1 onion into small pieces.
- Place the ingredients in a pot with 1 liter of water.
- Boil for 15-20 minutes over low heat.
- Let the infusion steep for at least 2 hours to cool.
- Strain the mixture to remove the garlic and onion pieces.
- Pour the infusion into a spray bottle.
How to use it correctly?
Apply the infusion to the leaves, stems, and areas affected by mites, making sure to thoroughly cover both sides of the leaves. Apply 2-3 times a week until the mites disappear. To prevent damage to the plants, apply the mixture during the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding direct sunlight. Always test a small area of the plant to ensure it doesn't cause adverse effects.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar works against mites by creating an acidic environment that repels them and hinders their development on plants, helping to reduce their presence and protect the leaves.
How to prepare it?
- Fill a container with 1 liter of water
- Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Mix well to combine the ingredients
- Pour the solution into a clean spray bottle
How to use it correctly?
Apply the mixture by spraying the affected leaves, preferably in the morning or evening to avoid sun damage. Repeat the application every 5 to 7 days until the pest is controlled. Test a small area before use to ensure the plant is not damaged.
EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS AGAINST THIS PEST
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Sponsored link
Effective against all types of fungi
Receive our blogs and news in your email
Enjoy idMicrobe TOTALLY FREE, with no trial periods.
