MindSoup Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 (edited) Hello chums I've had thrips in my veg box for quite a while now, I've tried a few rounds of predators but they're still managing to hang on. I'm fully organic and have a lot of beneficials in my no till bed that my mum's live on, so I can't just blast them with whatever. Neem is effective but its a pain in the arse as I only ever need a little bit and it doesn't last so I end up wasting a lot of what I mix up. Is there a more convenient azadirachtin based insecticide out there I could try? Or just any alternative options that will rid me of the little blighters? I want to do a seed run with my mum's but that can't happen until I see the back of them. Edited November 9, 2022 by MindSoup 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revive Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 2 hours ago, MindSoup said: I've tried a few rounds of predators but they're still managing to hang on Have you tried ladybirds bro? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shumroom Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 Have you seen the neem blocks, they look a bit like the ona blocks. I think they just sit in the groom iirc. Atb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindSoup Posted November 9, 2022 Author Share Posted November 9, 2022 2 hours ago, Revive said: Have you tried ladybirds bro? No and funnily enough I was recommended them by a guy on Reddit, might have to give them a whirl, shits getting expensive now, must be 50-69 quid trying to deal with the already. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindSoup Posted November 9, 2022 Author Share Posted November 9, 2022 @Shumroom no mate I haven't, I'll have a look. I was using neem meal as a top dress for a bit but that didn't seem to be effective. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revive Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 17 minutes ago, MindSoup said: No and funnily enough I was recommended them by a guy on Reddit, might have to give them a whirl, shits getting expensive now, must be 50-69 quid trying to deal with the already. Thats the prob when trying multiple methods to deal with the same issue.. I know lady bugs are pretty effective for thrips mate so they may be worth a crack..hope you get on top of it buddy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindSoup Posted November 9, 2022 Author Share Posted November 9, 2022 Most of the places selling them only really talk about aphids so I wasn't all that sure, but that's 2 recommendations now. I'll give it a try mate. @Shumroom I had a look at those neem organic control cubes but I don't understand how they work? Are they just a repellent/preventive or do they actively kill pests? Either way they're a good idea. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shumroom Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 I'm not sure Good luck getting on top of the little pests. Atb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slippy One Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 Neem block? Neem meal? For thrips you'll need a neem oil spray. The active ingredient in neem stops them eating the plant and this kills the adults, as for larvae, no idea, but you could try a neem drench, just get confirmation from someone who's tried this. The secret of a neem spray is emulsification, I'd been doing ok for years until I found a better technique in shaking the warm oil with water and horticultural soap. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slippy One Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 If thrips are like gnats, another way to kill them is to simply take cuttings, as 2 weeks in high humidity kills any adult or larvae. Since switching to coco coir, I've never seen anything (touch wood). I have a theory that nearly all compost contains many larvae or eggs, thrips, root aphids and gnats, and coco is cleaner. Good luck getting these critters off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindSoup Posted November 9, 2022 Author Share Posted November 9, 2022 (edited) I'm familiar with using neem, but I've run out, hence trying to see if theirs a more convenient option with the same active ingredient. Edited November 9, 2022 by MindSoup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigs Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 @MindSoup neem leaf powder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slippy One Posted November 9, 2022 Share Posted November 9, 2022 Looks like you'll need to buy more oil. @twigs not sure I've ever seen a neem powder, does it kill thrips on contact or just to kill larvae? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twigs Posted November 10, 2022 Share Posted November 10, 2022 @Slippy One really high! so copy pasting goog- “It is an eco-friendly product that enriches soil with the goodness of organic nutrients. Acts as a natural fertilizer with pesticidal properties. Protects plants from soil-borne pathogens. Helps in getting rid of nematodes, grubs, termites, mites in soil“ you can mix it up and spray it too, though i haven’t had to yet since putting it on/in compost, I use SBpi just for general maintenance also 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindSoup Posted November 10, 2022 Author Share Posted November 10, 2022 (edited) Looks nice mate, do you have to mess around with soaps/emulsifiers when you make a spray? I did have a Google but it didn't have a lot of info on horticultural use. Edited November 10, 2022 by MindSoup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now