In Ukraine, there is a risk of dangerous pests entering, which threatens horticulture, gardens and houseplants

Western flower thrips, a quarantine pest capable of damaging over 250 plant species, was recently detected three times during inspections of imported cargo at the Ukrainian border during 2026. All infected batches were destroyed.

According to the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection, the pest was found in batches of imported chard, lettuce, and chicory.

This pest is especially dangerous for ornamental and flower crops, and can also significantly damage fruit and vegetable plantations. It harms plants grown in closed conditions, such as greenhouses, most of all, but it also attacks crops grown in open ground.

The main objects of damage are:

– fruits: strawberries, apricots, peaches, plums;
– vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, peas;
– flowers: roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, gerberas, gladioli.

This pest can also seriously damage indoor plants, which is a concern among home flora lovers. The western flower thrips is considered a “flower grower’s nightmare” because it reproduces quickly and easily adapts to pesticides.

In open soil, especially in warm and dry weather, thrips find favorable conditions, most often in summer, from June to August.

Given the risks, it is important to be especially careful when purchasing imported plants. Timely detection of pests can help avoid serious losses to the crop and ornamental plantings.