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Rose thrip identification is not very easy. This is because these thrips are often confused with the western flower thrip and grass thrips: the shape of the body of the rose thrips is very similar to that of the western flower thrips and in terms of color, the rose thrip looks similar to the grass thrip. Rose thrips are brown to brownish-black in color and have two pairs of wings. For effective control, it is important to be able to recognize the types of thrips in the crop. 

In winter, the female thrips are inactive. The rose thrips lays its eggs in plant tissue only from May onward. The larvae are white to yellowish in color. From May to August, most of the larvae will be visible on the leaves.

The larvae and adult rose thrips feed by draining plant cells, resulting in both leaf and flower damage. The damage is characterized by spots and small holes on the flower petals. In the worst cases, discoloration or malformation can occur. Fortunately, damage from rose thrips is usually limited.

Rose thrips control is difficult, because many types of thrips are resistant to crop protection products. Therefore, the advice is to invest in preventing thrip infestations. This can be done by using insect netting in the air vents. If you have noticed the rose thrips in the crop, a number of organic and chemical products are available for use. It is best to use natural enemies such as:

• Predatory mites: The product MONcontrol contains predatory mite Transeius montdorensis. The predatory mite provides a good control of, among others, whitefly, thrips and molluscum mites.
• Predatory bugs: The product ORIcontrol and MAJUScontrol contains predatory bugs of the specie Orius laevigatus. These predatory bugs have been proven to be very effective on thrips.
• Nematodes: The product Nemasys F contains nematode Steinernema feltiae. The nematode is the natural enemy of thrips, caterpillars, sciarid fly and leatherjackets. 
• Lacewing: The product CHRYSOcontrol contains lacewing Chrysoperla carnea. The lacewing is a natural enemy of aphids, thrips, spider mites, small caterpillars, whiteflies and mealybugs.

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