This is why those regulations are dumb. That nicotine concoction you whipped up is way more toxic than anything i can get at a big box store.

Yeah, I know. I am waiting for warm weather so I can spray plants outdoors, however Mother Nature is not cooperating. Have you used a spray like this before?

Thanks Rina,

I should clarify, when I spray my houseplants outdoors, it will be away from my gardens and in my little greenhouse. I think I will dilute it, and thanks for the tip on the soap.

Hopefully it won't lose potency, if so I can make more. My kitchen looks like I have two bad habits now, with the box of old cigars and the gifted bottle of homemade vodka (used for mealies)!

Will definitely post results!

Just wait until your little guy notices and make comments...lol

Where do you find thrips? On leaves - roots, or?

Rina, that's just what I need, ha!

I find thrips on the leaves of certain plants, some Haws, a few jades, and surrounding plants. They are very patchy. I'll try to get a photo to post. They love dry warm conditions, which unfortunately is what some of my plants nearest my windows are exposed to in winter, due to placement of heaters.

They leave scarred patches on leaves, and telltale tiny black droppings.

I used nicotine years ago before I read the container disposal instructions-basically, encase in concrete and bury ten feet deep. Wear gloves and don't get the spray on your skin.

Did some reading up on thrips. Sound pretty frustrating! Not sure if you already read this article: University of Maryland on Thrip Control in Greenhouses.

Anything without residual killing properties (systemic or translaminar) needs to be reapplied every 5 days (as recommended by Cornell University). Not surprised they are so hard to get rid of - they are similar to many pests where the eggs are very resilient.

Life cycles from egg to adult can be as short as a week, which means populations can get out of hand fairly quickly and repeat treatments are usually required.

If your homebrew fails, then I'd just go for the Pyrethrin (multi treatment) or Avid (single treatment).