Leaves that are damaged by thrip feeding can suffer from several problems. The most obvious is that the leaves may fall off, which can lead to a loss of shade and potentially expose the underlying plant matter to additional heat and cold damage. Additionally, the area around the damaged leaves may become infested with black sooty mold, indicating an infection caused by fungal spores. This type of damage can ultimately lead to the death of the plant. If you notice any signs of leaf damage or infection, it is important to take action right away in order to prevent further damage and potential health concerns for your plants. One approach is to remove the affected leaves altogether using a garden hose or bucket. Alternatively, you can use a recommended pesticide formulation designed specifically for controlling thrip populations. Keep in mind that both of these methods require some degree of experience and caution in order to avoid damaging other plants or equipment in your yard.