Management

Due to the recent introduction of chilli thrips into the U.S., pest management programs are still being developed. Preliminary tests suggest that foliar sprays with insecticides containing acephate, imidacloprid, or spinosad are effective for pest control on ornamental landscape plants (Table 2). The use of insecticides containing pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin, cyfluthrin and permethrin) is not recommended because they are not very effective against chilli thrips, and are more damaging to beneficial insects.

Table 2. Suggested insecticides for control of chilli thrips on landscape plants.
Active Ingredient	Product Name	Distributor	Toxicity to Beneficial Insects
Acephate
	Acephate-Systemic Turf, Tree & Ornamental Spray	Hi-Yield	High
	Ortho® Orthenex® Insect & Disease Control Concentrate	Ortho	High
	Ortho® Systemic Insect Killer Concentrate	Ortho	High
Imidacloprid
	3-in-1 Insect, Disease, & Mite Control	Bayer Advanced	High*
	Rose & Flower Insect Killer	Bayer Advanced	High*
Spinosad
	Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer & Tent Caterpillar Killer	Ferti-Lome	Low
	Bull's-eye™ Bioinsecticide	Gardens Alive	Low
	Lawn & Garden Spray Spinosad® Concentrate	Green Light	Low
*These Bayer Advanced insecticides also contain other insecticides (pyrethroids) that may be harmful to beneficial insects.

Note: Pesticides labeled for landscape plants should not generally be used on vegetables, unless specifically noted on the label. Failing to follow pesticide labels carefully is illegal and can result in unsafe applications. Under certain temperature, humidity, water and shade conditions, pesticides may cause injury to certain plants (phytotoxicity). Generally, apply pesticides during early morning to avoid dew or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. Water plants 1-2 days before applying a pesticide. Always check the product label for the list of plants that may be injured by the pesticide.

Mention of commercial products is for educational purposes only and does not represent endorsement by Texas Agrilife Extension Service or The Texas A&M University System. Insecticide label registrations are subject to change, and changes may have occurred since this publication was written. The pesticide user is always responsible for applying products in accordance with label directions. Always read and carefully follow the instructions on the container label.