What is the short-spined thrip and where did it come from?

The short-spined thrip is an invasive insect species that originated in Southeast Asia and was first detected in Florida in 2020.

What kind of damage do thrips cause in Florida gardens?

Thrips cause significant damage to vegetable, ornamental, and fruit crops, leading to silver scars, curled leaves, and stunted growth.

Can freezing temperatures in Florida kill the short-spined thrips?

Freezing temperatures are generally not cold enough to eliminate thrips, especially in South Florida; they may slow development but not kill them.

Home / Environment / Tiny Thrips Invade Florida Gardens, Causing Havoc

Tiny Thrips Invade Florida Gardens, Causing Havoc

23 Jan

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Summary

Short-spined thrips, originating from Southeast Asia, first appeared in Florida in 2020.
These tiny pests damage a variety of crops, including ornamental plants and vegetables.
Florida's warm climate accelerates their life cycle and reproduction, making them hard to control.

Tiny Thrips Invade Florida Gardens, Causing Havoc

South Florida's warm climate has created an ideal environment for the short-spined thrips, a tiny but destructive invasive species that first appeared in the state in 2020. Originally from Southeast Asia, these pests are causing significant damage to a wide range of crops, including ornamental plants and vegetables such as peppers, beans, and eggplants.

The thrips' rapid life cycle, with females capable of reproducing asexually, allows populations to surge quickly. Temperatures in South Florida, averaging 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit, allow the insect to complete its life cycle in under 13 days, further exacerbating the problem. Their small size makes them difficult to detect until significant plant damage is evident.