How to get rid of thrip on ferms?

[JessJ]

Hi, looking for tips on getting rid of thrips from ferns. The thrips seem to love my bird's nest ferns and rabbit feet ferns. I have sprayed pyrethrum insect pest killer, but that stained and damaged the leaves (I knew it would but took the risk anyway!). My current method is to wipe the pests off daily with a microfiber cloth. But I cannot keep on top of them. Also, the thrips gather in the cluster of spores on the underside of the bird's nest ferns, and the furry feet/rhizomes of the rabbit foot ferns - so it is hard to wipe the thrips away from these areas. 

Any suggestion on finally getting on top of this annoying pests??

The photos don't show too many of the thrips because I had just wiped them all, but they appear there everyday! 

Thrips damage on birds nest fern Thrips on underside of birds nest fern Thrips within the spores of birds nest fern    

[EricL]

Hello @JessJ 

Thanks for sharing your question about controlling thrips on your ferns. I'm sorry to hear that the pyrethrum was too strong for your fern. Because the thrips are already infesting the ferns, I suggest using Yates 200ml Nature's Way Vegie And Herb Concentrate.

It controls mites, aphids, thrips, mealybug and whitefly on fruit trees, vegetables, ornamentals and pot plants. It is a soap-based spray, certified for use in organic gardening and has a low impact on most hard bodied beneficial insects such as ladybirds. 

Please note that this is a concentrate and must be diluted before use. Make sure to follow mixing instructions at the back of the packaging. My best advice is to make sure to spray under the leaves of the fern. 

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using the spray.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric