To slam or not

[Lilredrubi]

Hey guys I have been dealing with a horrible thrips invasion since my neighbor brought in 4 truckloads of compost that they put on their lawn. They are everywhere not only killing my garden but in the pool too. I had hoped they would move on by now since it is so hot and dry but every time I clean the skimmer they are all over it. They bite like demons, worse than any fire ant bite.
Should I bring the FC level up to the SLAM level for 24 hours to see if I can get them to move on? Passed a OCLT the other night just to be sure and the pool is crystal clear.
Thanks

 

[reggiehammond]

Thrips are discussed most years, but don't recall anyone finding a solution other than "waiting them out." Most folks say they're gone after a week or so. I don't think more FC will hurt 'em. I think a good insecticide can knock them out of your landscape though.

@JoyfulNoise has a post about using an algaecide to change surface tension on his pool to disallow wasps to drink from his pool. Not sure it's worth that effort now though...

 

[duraleigh]

Not sure about how effective it will be but the first thing I would do is raise FC to SLAM value with a one time dose. You have nothing to lose and it will be good for your water clarity.

We hear about water boatmen quite often.........are you sure they are thrips?

 

[Lilredrubi]

Not sure about how effective it will be but the first thing I would do is raise FC to SLAM value with a one time dose. You have nothing to lose and it will be good for your water clarity.

We hear about water boatmen quite often.........are you sure they are thrips?

Definitely thrips I took some to the local ag extension office just to be sure.
Would DE in my sand filter be a help?

 

[duraleigh]

Would DE in my sand filter be a help?

Don't think so unless you can coax them into the skimmer. Chlorine is still your best bet, I think

 

[Lilredrubi]

Thrips are discussed most years, but don't recall anyone finding a solution other than "waiting them out." Most folks say they're gone after a week or so. I don't think more FC will hurt 'em. I think a good insecticide can knock them out of your landscape though.

@JoyfulNoise has a post about using an algaecide to change surface tension on his pool to disallow wasps to drink from his pool. Not sure it's worth that effort now though...

They just won’t leave, getting ready to try another round of stuff on my lawn & garden.
I do have some of that liquid solar cover I wonder if that would suffocate them

 

[Lilredrubi]

Don't think so unless you can coax them into the skimmer. Chlorine is still your best bet, I think

Thank you!
Heading out the grab a few extra bottles of LC and the stuff for the lawn. Hopefully that will work.