Onions, Garlic: Onion thrips
categories: Onions, Garlic Onions, Garlic Insects Vegetables
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
Photo by: Unknown
Biology
Onion thrips are tiny, slender insects about 1⁄16″ long. They are yellowish to dark in color, depending on age. They feed on tender inner leaves, causing longitudinal silvery to white mottling or streaking along the leaves. Often, tiny black specks of frass (excrement) may be present. The mottled areas later turn yellow or brown. Damaged leaves may wither and droop. Severe damage may kill seedlings and reduce yield. Thrips are also found on debris of the host plants and on weeds.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Heavy rain or sprinkler irrigation may help control thrips populations.
- Control weeds in and around the garden.
- Remove piles of plant debris, particularly culled onion bulbs and tops.
- Natural enemies including predacious thrips help control populations of plant-feeding thrips. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply to green onion according to label instructions when thrips or early damage is first observed.
- Soaps may require several applications.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.