Aluminized fabric deters thrips from entering greenhouses

Experiments were conducted utilizing aluminized shade fabric and other media to determine if Western flower thrips (WFT), Franklinella occidentalis Pergande, could be deterred from entering greenhouses. Experiments testing different patterns and amount of surface area covered by different patterns around the entrance revealed a significant number of thrips could be repelled from entering structures. An aluminum tape appeared to be more successful in reducing thrips entry than either Aluminet fabric or whitewash. Decreased entry levels, as much as 55%, occurred the closer the fabric was placed around the entrance, regardless of surface area covered. Utilization of reflective fabric around greenhouse vents could augment an integrated pest management (IPM) based thrips control program.