
Carnivorous plants are amazing and totally unique additions to any garden! But, just like other plants, they can fall prey to pests—especially thrips and aphids. These tiny troublemakers can really mess up your plants if they’re not handled quickly. If you’ve noticed weird marks or warped leaves on your Venus flytrap, pitcher plant, or sundew, you could have a thrip or aphid problem. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot, treat, and prevent these pests to keep your carnivorous plants healthy and thriving.
Best Treatment for Thrips on Carnivorous Plants
Signs of Thrips
Thrips are a whole different challenge when it comes to pests! These tiny, slender bugs are infamous for attacking carnivorous plants, especially types like pitcher plants, Sarracenia, and Nepenthes. Unlike aphids, thrips have sharp, needle-like mouthparts they use to pierce plant cells and drain nutrients, leaving behind silvery, scraped marks on leaves and traps.
You might also see tiny black specks on the plant—these are thrip droppings left after feeding. Another sign of a thrip problem is deformed or warped leaves, especially on new growth. If ignored, thrips can quickly harm large parts of your plant, causing stunted growth and loss of health.

To spot thrips, look for their telltale damage and check for the tiny pests themselves. They’re about 1–2 mm long and can fly, which makes them tricky to find. You’ll often see them around the edges of traps or leaves, especially in warm, dry weather.
Easy Ways to Get Rid of Thrips
Thrips can be tough to get rid of, and once they’ve infested your plant, you’ll probably need to use a pesticide to control them. Here are some common options:
- Systemic insecticides: These pesticides are absorbed by the plant and spread through its tissues. When thrips feed on the plant, they ingest the poison, which kills them. Orthene is a popular choice for carnivorous plants and provides long-term thrip control.
- Topical insecticides: These are sprayed directly on the affected areas of the plant. BioAdvanced 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 are great for treating thrips on carnivorous plants. Just be careful not to overuse them—follow the instructions closely to avoid harm.
Chemical pesticides are effective, but you should always be careful when using them on your carnivorous plants. Test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the plant. Also, keep in mind that thrips can build resistance to insecticides, so you might need to do multiple treatments to completely get rid of them.
How to Spot and Remove Aphids on Carnivorous Plants
Signs of Aphids
Aphids are also super common pests that can show up on all kinds of plants, including carnivorous ones. These tiny, soft-bodied bugs usually go after the fresh, new growth on your plants. They like to cluster on leaf tips, traps, and tendrils, where they suck out the plant’s sap, stunting growth and making the plant look weak or unhealthy. A telltale sign of aphids is the white, dried shells they leave behind after shedding—a sure sign they’ve been munching on your plant!

Aphids can also warp and deform the leaves and traps on plants like Venus flytraps and sundews. You might see leaves curling, turning yellow, or staying small and stunted. Plus, aphids can spread diseases from plant to plant, so it’s important to tackle them quickly!
Easy Ways to Get Rid of Aphids
The good news? Aphids are pretty easy to manage! If you catch them early, you can clear them out without using strong pesticides. Here are a few easy methods:
- Physical removal: Gently pinch aphids between your fingers or use a cotton swab to lift them off the plant. You can also spray the plant with a fine mist of water to rinse the aphids away.
- Insecticidal soap or neem oil: If hand-picking isn’t enough, try a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil. Both are safe for most carnivorous plants and will kill aphids on contact.
You might need to repeat these treatments every week or two until the aphids are completely gone.
Natural Ways to Control Thrips and Aphids
Non-Chemical Methods
If you prefer natural solutions or want to cut back on chemicals, there are plenty of ways to control thrips and aphids without harming your plants.

Spinosad: This natural bacterial byproduct is highly effective against thrips. It’s safe for most carnivorous plants and works by disrupting the pests’ nervous system, but you’ll need to spray it directly on the affected areas.

Sticky traps: These traps catch adult thrips, helping stop them from spreading to other plants. While they won’t solve the problem alone, they’re a great addition to your pest control plan.

Neem oil: Derived from the neem tree, this natural insecticide is safe for most plants. It can repel and kill thrips and aphids when applied to the affected areas.
Safe Insecticides for Carnivorous Plants
If you prefer to stick to chemical treatments, look for semi-systemic insecticides that are safe for carnivorous plants, like BioAdvanced products. These offer a good balance between effectiveness and plant safety. Always check the product label to ensure it’s safe for use on your specific plant species.
Helping Your Plants Recover After a Thrip or Aphid Infestation
After treating pests, it’s key to help your carnivorous plants bounce back. Here are some tips to boost their health:
- Prune damaged leaves: Trim off any leaves or traps that are badly affected so the plant can focus on growing healthy new ones.
- Monitor regularly: Keep checking your plants for any signs of pests coming back and keep up with pest control treatments as needed.
To keep future infestations at bay, try these strategies:
- Quarantine new plants: Always check new plants for pests before adding them to your collection.
- Regular maintenance: Keep inspecting your plants often—catching pests early helps prevent major infestations.
- Maintain a clean environment: Keep the growing area tidy to lower the risk of pest problems.
Conclusion
Dealing with thrips and aphids on your carnivorous plants can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can keep them healthy and pest-free. By spotting pests early, using a mix of natural and chemical treatments, and sticking to good care routines, your Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and other carnivorous plants will thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills thrips the best?
Using two pyrethrin sprays, spaced three to four days apart, is great for killing heavy thrip infestations. Pyrethrin is a natural pesticide made from certain chrysanthemum flowers and is super effective.
How often should I treat my plants for thrips?
Spray insecticides every two to three weeks before thrip season to stop adults from laying eggs. Depending on conditions, treatments might be needed every three to seven days.
Do thrips cause permanent damage to carnivorous plants?
Thrips can damage plants badly, and if left untreated, they can kill a plant in just weeks.