Keeping plants at home means contending with the occasional pest. While some garden pests are just an annoyance, others can cause damage and even threaten the life of your plants. One common pest is the whitefly, which can infest both your outdoor garden and indoor houseplants. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about whiteflies:
What Are Whiteflies?
As their name suggests, whiteflies are white-colored insects resembling flies. They're slightly triangular in shape and can be smaller than a grain of rice. While there are many different species of whitefly, they are more prolific in warmer regions where they can survive winter weather.
Symptoms & Identification
Whiteflies are active during the daytime and scatter when disturbed, making them easier to spot than some other plant pests. However, the most common sign of a whitefly infestation is a sticky residue called honeydew the bugs produce when feeding.
In addition to the sticky honeydew, you might find whiteflies themselves on the underside of leaves, particularly along the veins. They also lay eggs underneath the leaves and tend to target tender, new growth on foliage plants.
Treatment & Prevention
While whiteflies can cause trouble in your garden, there are steps you can take to treat an infestation and prevent new ones from happening. Here are some ways you can rid your plants of whiteflies:
- Hose them off - Washing the insects away with a stream of water is an efficient way to get rid of them quickly. If you find them on houseplants, take them outside for a bath with the hose.
- Treat with insecticidal soap - Once you've washed the plant with water, use either store-bought insecticidal soap or a homemade mixture of dish soap and water. Spray the leaves and stems of the plant thoroughly.
- Trap the survivors - Unfortunately, pests usually take more than one round of treatment to eradicate. To help capture and remove any remaining adult whiteflies, use sticky traps in your garden or potted plants.
These are just the basics of dealing with whiteflies. As with all plant pests, the best way to prevent them is to carefully inspect every new plant you buy. With the right knowledge and vigilance, you can keep your garden safe and healthy.
About the Author
Amie Lindwall-Belile
As your real estate professional, Amie has an extensive knowledge of the local real estate market to meet your needs. Born and raised in Fairfield County she understands the true value of this area. If your money’s involved, then the stakes are high. You can have confidence that Amie will get the job done. Licensed in 2004, she won her office’s Rookie of the Year award. Since then, she has been recognized as a multi-million dollar producer, an Honor Society member, Agent of the Month on numerous occasions and has received various other awards for her successes.
Having graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Communications focusing on technology, she is able to provide her clients with the most comprehensive cutting edge services and tools. She is the co-founder of an organization close to her heart, The Dennis Lindwall Foundation, running annual events to raise money for pediatric cancer related causes. Over the years, the Dennis Lindwall Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to these charities.
Whether you are buying or selling a home in Fairfield County, you can rest assured that she will work very hard for you. With Amie, you will get the professional yet personalized care that you deserve. Take the first step into this exciting process, with Amie Lindwall-Belile.
