Thrips: Sucking pests
Identifying features:Tiny, slender insects that often leave black dots and silvery spots on leaves.
Damage to plants:Thrips suck plant juices, resulting in misshapen and stunted leaves. A massive infestation means the complete death of the plants. Crops most affected are cucumbers, peppers, chillies, tomatoes and beans.
Combat strategies:
- Use blue sticky traps (sticky boards) to catch thrips.
- Spray plants with a mixture of water and neem oil.
- Garlic tea, nettle decoction and soapy water also work effectively.
