Whitefly

Whiteflies attack a wide range of vegetables and woody and herbaceous ornamental plants. Disturb a plant infested by whiteflies and look for the tiny adults ascending upwards in a white cloud. The tiny mothlike adult whiteflies (about 1/12 inch long) usually lay eggs on the undersides of the leaves. Upon hatching the nymphs or crawlers feed, like the adults, by sucking plant sap from the leaves. Lightly infested leaves develop a mottled appearance. Heavier infestations cause leaves to yellow, shrivel, and die early; also, leaves usually feel sticky and are covered with a thin black film of sooty mold, a fungus which feeds on the honeydew excreted by the whiteflies.

Control: Rely on natural enemies such as lacewings, lady beetles, and bigeyed bugs. Conserve these natural predators by trimming away only portions of heavily infested shoots. Mature foliage offers them a refuge where they can mount attacks on whiteflies, which are commonly found on new growth. Adults are attracted to bright yellow surfaces, so trap them with commercially available yellow sticky traps. Create your own by laminating bright yellow cards and coating them with mineral oil. Use insecticidal soap. Contact your County Extension Agent or Master Gardener for other recommended insecticides.