Thwarting Those Thrips

Thrips are also a concern for us as a targeted pest in the roses. Thrips are often found inside the blooms where they drink the moisture from the petals. Their damage is most noticeable on lighter colored roses, like whites and pinks, where the edges turn brown. You’ll know you have them when you shake an open flower onto a piece of paper and they scatter on the page. It’s important to keep the roses watered regularly to help keep the thrips population at bay. Remember to also keep the rose garden free of weeds and the grass mowed around the garden, since thrips can also hang out in these areas.  Outside of spraying, these are the best ways to help keep them out of the roses.