Thrips can be a major cause of concern for gardeners. A never-ending problem for gardeners is to learn how to kill these annoying insects. There are many home remedies out there. However, some people prefer using chemicals in their gardens because it is fast and gets the job done with no hassle. So, does Floramite kill thrips or not?
Yes, Floramite works effectively to kill thrips. However, it’s worth avoiding as it is also toxic to birds and aquatic life.
Thrips are small insects, and in most cases, a thrip infestation does not warrant the use of an insecticide. However, sometimes the damage can be too much, and you may notice it too late.
In this scenario, to eliminate thrips and protect your plants, you will need to use chemicals like Floramite. Floramite is easy to use, and you will face no difficulty even if you are a beginner and using it for the first time.
Is Floramite Safe to Use?
When using chemicals like Floramite, it is important to conduct research to determine if it is safe to use in gardens.
Floramite can be used on ornamental plants, including bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage, bulbs, trees, shrubs, and perennials. Moreover, you can also use this chemical on non-bearing fruit trees which do not bear fruits for at least 12 months.
It would assure you that Floramite has been tested on ornamental plants, and there was no toxicity observed. However, it is important to remember that not all varieties of plants have been tested, which is why you must first test Floramite on a small number of plants before you use it on a large scale.
Similarly, you can test the chemical on a small part of the plant and do a patch test. After application, you must wait for at least two days to see if the plant has been negatively affected by the chemical.
You may notice burning of the leaves or some discolouration if the chemical has affected your plant. However, if you do not notice any harmful after-effects of using Floramite, you can continue the application and kill thrips in your garden.
Should You Use Floramite in the Garden?
Some chemicals are not meant to be used in gardens, while others are safe to be used. When it comes to Floramite, you can use it in the garden, given that it is an open area. You can use the chemical as long as there is enough ventilation.
On the other hand, it would be bad to use Floramite inside your home or any closed space where the chemical fumes can concentrate and cause a reaction.
In addition, it is important to take certain precautions while using Floramite, so the chemical does not harm you. You must wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants as well as shoes and socks. In addition, you must wear gloves to protect your hands.
After using the chemical, you must wash your hands thoroughly and remove the clothing if the pesticide comes into contact with it.
A downside to using Floramite in gardens is that it is toxic to birds and other aquatic animals. You need to ensure to keep the chemical away from your garden pond and use it in a manner that does not affect wildlife – this, of course, is far from easy.
Moreover, it is important to be careful not to use this chemical in your garden when there are bees around as it could kill them. Also, it would be best to ensure to keep the chemical away from any water source and refrain from applying directly to water.
Avoid Using Floramite!
It might be an effective way to kill thrips and it might not harm your plants but it can be detrimental to other wildlife and the environment. Where possible, opt for natural ways to kill thrips.
What Are Natural Ways to Kill Thrips?
Using chemicals such as Floramite seems like the best thing to do when facing a thrip infestation. While thrips do not necessarily cause a lot of damage initially, they can quickly build-up, and you may be coerced into using pesticides.
However, there are still people who, rightly, wish to use natural ways either to kill thrips or prevent them from causing damage to plants. Fortunately, there are a few natural ways you can try to kill thrips if you do not wish to use chemicals like Floramite.
Use Reflective Mulch
One way to ensure that the thrips leave your garden and do not mess with plants is to add some reflective mulch. This will confuse the thrips and interfere with their ability to fly.
Neem Oil
Gardeners have used neem oil for a long time in gardens to keep insects away. You can also use neem oil against thrips.
However, with neem oil, you need to be careful about using it in the dark or on a cloudy day, so the plants do not burn. You can apply the neem oil for some time and then wash it off.
Natural Predators
Alongside using different methods against thrips, it is always a good idea to introduce natural predators in your garden.
These predators will control the thrip population and other harmful insects that reside in your garden. You can either purchase these predators from stores or make your garden attractive for them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Another method that works effectively against thrips, as well as other insects, is to use diatomaceous earth. This powder works by penetrating the thrips and then dehydrating them from the inside.
Homemade Pesticide
You can make your own pesticide by combining nine parts water with one part rubbing alcohol alongside a few drops of washing-up liquid. Shake to combine and then spray directly on thrips to kill them.
Summary
If you are dealing with a thrip infestation, you may be looking out for a quick solution. Floramite is a pesticide that works well against thrips. Usually, thrip infestations will not need chemical treatments, but if the damage gets out of hand, you need to take action. It is important to use Floramite in open areas where there is ample ventilation.
Some people, however, do not prefer to use chemicals in their gardens and look for a natural approach. Other than Floramite, there are some natural ways to deal with thrips, including reflective mulch, neem oil, natural predators, and diatomaceous earth.
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