What are Whiteflies and How Do I Protect My Garden Against them?
A handout photo taken May 13, 2005 showing whiteflies on a leaf taken by Dr. Lance Osborne, professor of entomology at the University of Florida in Apopka, Florida. A tiny, invasive whitefly that is resistant to pesticides and carries crop-devastating viruses has been found outdoors in the United States for the first time, raising concerns among fruit and vegetable growers. / AFP PHOTO / Lance Osborne / Lance OSBORNE / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY KERRY SHERIDAN: Pesticide-resistant whitefly could 'devastate' many US crops
It’s spring here and I’ve started to notice whiteflies on my fruit trees and sweet potato plants. They may seem harmless but they can do a lot of damage. Here’s why you should be vigilant about them and what to do!
What are Whiteflies?
Whiteflies are tiny, winged insects that are a common pest in gardens and greenhouses. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves and can cause damage to plants by feeding on their sap and transmitting plant diseases. In this article, we’ll explore what whiteflies are and how to treat them in your garden.
What Are Whiteflies? Whiteflies are small, moth-like insects that are typically less than 1/8 inch in size. They are often white or yellow in color and have wings that are covered in a powdery white substance. Whiteflies are found in all regions of the world and can be a major pest for both indoor and outdoor gardeners.
Whiteflies are known for their rapid reproductive cycle and can quickly infest a garden. The females can lay hundreds of eggs at a time, and the eggs hatch into larvae in just a few days. The larvae feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and roots.
How to Protect Against Whiteflies
How to Treat Whiteflies in Your Garden If you suspect that you have whiteflies in your garden, there are a few steps you can take to treat the infestation. Here are some of the most effective methods for controlling whiteflies:
- Use Neem Oil Neem oil is another natural remedy that can be used to control whiteflies. It works by disrupting the insect’s life cycle and can be sprayed directly onto the affected plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, as some plants may be sensitive to the oil.
- Use Sticky Traps One of the most effective ways to control whiteflies is to use sticky traps. These traps are coated in a sticky substance that traps the insects when they land on the trap. You can hang the traps near the plants that are infested with whiteflies and check them regularly to monitor the infestation.
- Use Beneficial Insects Another way to control whiteflies is to introduce beneficial insects into your garden. Ladybugs and lacewings are both natural predators of whiteflies and can help to keep the population under control. You can purchase these insects online or from a garden center and release them into your garden.
- Prune Infested Plants If the infestation is severe, you may need to prune the infested plants. Removing the affected leaves and stems can help to reduce the number of whiteflies in your garden. Be sure to dispose of the pruned material away from the garden, as the insects can easily spread to other plants.
- Use Insecticidal Soap Insecticidal soap is a non-toxic and effective way to control whiteflies. The soap suffocates the insects and can be sprayed directly onto the affected plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, as some plants may be sensitive to the soap.
In conclusion, whiteflies are a common pest in gardens and greenhouses, but there are several effective ways to control them. Using sticky traps, introducing beneficial insects, pruning infested plants, using insecticidal soap, and using neem oil are all effective methods for treating whiteflies. By taking proactive steps to control the infestation, you can help to protect your plants and keep your garden healthy and thriving.
