Thrips rasp the outer tissue layers of the leaves, flowers and corms. The infested surfaces are glistening, whitish gray.
Young insects feed in the sheath.
Infested flowers are discolored and spotted. The leaves turn brown and dry out. Sprays of Orthene, rotenone or Sevin will control thrips. The tulip bulb aphid is common in sandy soil. Infested corms develop stunted and deformed plants if at all.