Insecticide For Whiteflies
Only 1/16-inch long, tiny whiteflies are sap-sucking insects that weaken and kill host plants. Whiteflies cluster on the undersides of leaves, which yellow and eventually die. Plants commonly preyed on by whiteflies include begonia, cantaloupe, geranium, lettuce, poinsettia and tomato. Does this Spark an idea?
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Insecticidal Spray
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Unfortunately, whiteflies can quickly develop resistance to insecticide; therefore, insecticidal sprays provide only minimal control and generally must be applied directly to kill the pests. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil can be used but must be applied thoroughly, covering the undersides of all affected leaves. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides, which kill not only whiteflies but also beneficial predators.
Biological Control Methods and Traps
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Fortunately for gardeners, other effective control methods for whiteflies are available. One way is to introduce biological controls that feed on whiteflies. Good choices include lacewings, big-eyed bugs, and lady beetles such as Clitostethus arcuatus and Harmonia axyridis. Beauvaria bassiania is a fungus that can be used to control whiteflies. Yellow sticky traps are also recommended and can be made at home using a yellow painted board with an adhesive of petroleum jelly and household detergent.
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Prevention
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Whitefly infestations can be avoided if you remove infected leaves and use a water spray to reduce whitefly population. Aluminum foil and reflective mulches also may be used to repel whiteflies.
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References
- UC IPM Online: Whiteflies
- University of Florida IAFS Extension: Management of Whiteflies, Whitefly-Vectored Plant Virus, and Insecticide Resistance
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Whitefly Knowledgebase: Chemical Control of Whiteflies
- Texas Agricultural Extension Service: Sweetpotato/Silverleaf Whitefly Management
- American Orchid Society: Whiteflies
- University of Kentucky College of Agriculture: Whiteflies in Gardens
