What to Do About Little White Flying Bugs on Tomato Plants

Whiteflies can be difficult to control.

The most widespread of all tomato pests is the whitefly. Adult and larvae are sap-sucking insects, which can damage plants and cause a sooty gray mold to develop on the plant.

Identification

Leaves on an infected plant may begin to curl and turn yellow. These tiny white, winged insects feed on the plant's cells and may be found on the undersides of leaves. Whiteflies secrete a sticky substance known as "honeydew," which is not a problem itself, but it causes a gray mold to develop on the foliage.

Treatment

Once whiteflies have infested the plant, they are difficult to control, resisting most insecticides. Hanging sticky yellow traps near the plants may catch flying adults, and the introduction of predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings may be effective. A commercially available predatory wasp, Encarsia formosa, will attack whitefly larvae.

Prevention/Solution

Plants should be checked regularly for whiteflies, and any infestations should be dealt with immediately. Infested leaves should be removed and destroyed. Growing strong scented plants such as French marigolds nearby will deter the insects.

References

• Gardeners World: Problem Solving: White-fly
• Greenhouse Growing: Rid Your Greenhouse of Pests the Organic Way
• Colorado State University Extension: Tomato Pests
• University Of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Growing Tomatoes Hydroponically: Insects

Resources

• BBC Pest and Disease Identifier: White-fly
• Colorado State University Extension: Greenhouse White-fly