Thrips on Honeysuckle: Bud Drop, Curling Leaves, and Systemic Treatment

Thrips on Honeysuckle: Bud Drop, Curling Leaves, and Systemic Treatment

Red honeysuckle with curled, yellowing leaves around buds, blackened buds that fail to open, and no visible pests likely has thrips—tiny, cigar-shaped insects feeding inside buds and flowers.

Confirmation

• Open unopened bud; look for yellow/black slivers crawling inside.
• Tap bud over white paper; thrips fall and move rapidly.
• White specks at bud base may be thrips eggs or feces.

Treatment

• Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide soil drench: Systemic, kills thrips in 1 week, protects 1 year.
• Apply now; this year's bloom may be lost, but next year's will be protected.

Notes

Thrips are difficult to control with contact sprays due to hidden feeding. Systemic is most effective. Prune heavily infested tips if desired.