Controlling Thrips on Venus Flytrap Flowers: Prevention and Treatment

Question

Last year I had thrips on my VFT flowers that stole all the pollen, thus no germination & no seeds. This year, the thrips are back! (and my pitcher plants bloomed for the first time!) I am 'harvesting' some VFT pollen & hand-pollinating the flowers since the thrips steal it all before the stigma is receptive, but how can I prevent this problem next year? I live in the DFW Texas area, grow in full sun, water with rain water only & the rest of my CP's are doing well. Thanks for your help.

Answer

The following article gives several good pointers for controlling thrips: https://www.attra.org/attra-pub/gh-thrips.html

I would also suggest Neem oil as a repellant and killer that acts as an antifungal too. You can get premixed Neem oil with pyrethrines, which is what I use, as a one-two punch for killing insects since both substances repel and kill insects of most varieties.

Good going with your Pitcher Plants!

Christopher