Flowernut Has anyone dealt with thrips using an organic approach?
Here, there are certain times of the year when thrips control is like chasing windmills. From mid-June to mid-July most of the weeds and grasses that surround my field die and their thrips population moves on - to my dahlia blooms. If this is a problem where you are at, then thrips control should probably start at the source. It might help to release the beneficials early, especially on the infested weeds and grasses that are on the upwind side of your dahlia plot. (thrips aren't great fliers but they are good at drifting with the wind)
In a month the mustard weeds will die an direct their Western Flower Thrips to my dahlias, which will be in full bloom:
