THRIPS!!! How to get rid of them???

Cathy9887 · Jul 1, 2013

First full summer with our pool.. we've become quite the professionals thanks to TFP.com!! However, one small nuisance we can't seem to permanently shake..... THRIPS!!! I'm guessing they maybe prefer cooler water, as we haven't seen them since the heat showed up... But yesterday we had a BIG cold front come through. Air temp is 69.. water is 76. Thrips are everywhere.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyQeC4Y7 ... 0qzb1LcFcw

FC: 5 (had to turn up SWG due to consistent young age of swimmers & lots of hot sun.. now we've caught up. Just shut it off)
pH: 7.5
CYA: 90
TA: 80
I don't test hardness..

Suggestions???

harleysilo · Jul 1, 2013

I get those too, but haven't figured out why they come, or from where. I've added Borates, can't recall if I've had them since the addition. They don't really bother me, but would prefer not to see them!

Cathy9887 · Jul 1, 2013

Ugh... They are along the entire edge of the pool, but especially gather on the hard surfaces (sunshelf, steps). SO annoying!! Plus, my 3 yr old has a semi-irrational fear of bugs... haven't really figured out why, but at 3, I'm not going to worry about it yet. Just need to get rid of them.

easttn · Jul 1, 2013

You might try a bug light. Not sure if they will be attracted to the light or not. I would put it near where you see them. Try leaving it plugged up in the daytime in the same location. Put a piece of tape over the light sensor if it has one.

Also you may try fly paper. Use metal clothes hangers and shape them in such a manner that it will hold the fly paper and you can stick it in the ground if you have ground to stick it in.

Worth a try I guess since you probably dont want any insecticide near your pool.

257WbyMag · Jul 1, 2013

You are probably going to have to just live with them until they move on. They are irritating but they are also transient.

Tie Twist · Jul 1, 2013

I had them as well, seemed like the tons of rain brought them.
Less than week they were gone on their own.

Cathy9887 · Jul 2, 2013

You know...... they do seem to appear on days after a hard rain. Thanks for the "clue", Tie Twist!! I may make a note of that & attempt to keep track of when we see them.

y_not · Jul 2, 2013

I found this, which recommends using Skin So Soft to kill them. I would think it'd be CNET for the pool chemistry, as it should be no different than someone having this on their skin and getting in the pool.
wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_get_rid_of_thrips_in_your_pool_area

Apparently there's a specific "bug guard" in that product line.

Also, for any infestation around the pool area, away from the water, one person swears by a 10% ammonia and water mix in a spray bottle. Sounds like a good idea. Although I imagine this would not be good for the pool long term anyway.

Tie Twist · Jul 16, 2015

Response to this old thread, I had Thrips again this year, and again it was after a real large downpour. My wife simply took a cloth and wiped around the perimiter of the pool at the water line where they hang out and they were gone after that. Like cleaning dirt.