has anyone used duraguard to control thrips on spring annuals? I usually use to do a clean up spray before the beginning of the planting season on left over plant material and floors, but I've never used it on my spring annuals. If so, does it do a pretty good job of controlling thrips because that is what i need!

Hi Jennifer -

Duraguard is not labeled for thrip control. It is a very good choice for controlling things like Fungus Gnats but won't offer any control for thrips.

For thrip control we prefer a rotation of chemicals that include a tank mix of Talstar/Avid, Tristar 70, and Conserve. While the populations levels are up you should be making spray application at 3-4 day intervals and rotating the chemicals. Once population levels have decreased you can resume making preventative applications at 7-14 day intervals.

You can also consult our Insect Conrol Charts for a more extensive list of chemicals labeled for thrip control.

Hope this helps!

My Duraguard ME label (Whitmire) lists thrips. I can't say how well it works, but Definitely get Conserve in your rotation! You'll be glad you did.

The exstension service here recomends using the same tank mix as suggested, but "sprenching" with duragard so it washes into the soil to kill their life cycle. I thought that was common practice???