We’re sliding hard into summer down here in the sunshine state. Those early morning brisk walks are a thing of the past now. In fact, you step outside around this time in the morning and you’re going to walk into a wall of mugginess. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still go outside! We absolutely will, maybe even more than in the spring. I know I’m going to be spending plenty of time in my garden. And when I garden, I realize that pests are a reality of doing so. That’s why today we’re going to talk about Florida whitefly control. What this pest is, where you find them, and what you can do about them when they do come around.
Florida Whitefly Control: What is a whitefly?
Whiteflies are soft-bodied, winged insects that are closely related to aphids. Aphids and mealybugs. Despite their name, the whiteflies aren’t actually a type of fly, but they do have wings and can fly. They can be as small as a twelfth of an inch. But they’re also triangular in shape, making them almost look like an undersized butterfly. They are active during the day and found clustered on the undersides of leaves. They scatter when you disturb them, so they can be easily spotted compared to other types of pests.
There are over a hundred species of this pest out there, but mostly they only infest a few plants. However, there are a few species of the bug that will require Florida whitefly control when you find them. This is because they affect a wider range of plants, which makes them much more problematic in growing. This mostly includes the greenhouse whitefly, bandedwinged, giant, and Silverleaf whitefly.
You’ll need Florida Whitefly control if you have these guys in your home. They’re common on indoor plants, tomatoes, and in greenhouses. They’re a sucking insect that’s often found in thick clouds on the undersides of leaves on your plants. In cold areas, whiteflies are not able to survive the winter outdoors. So they move into greenhouses during cold snaps or onto your indoor plants.
What plants are at risk?
Well, like I said above. There are a few plants that you may see commonly needing Florida whitefly control. They can be found on a pretty wide variety of plants. These include ornamental flowers and warm weather vegetables mostly. But look out for your tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and okra. Some species attack sweet potatoes, cabbages, and citrus trees. And when it comes to the indoors, most common houseplants are at risk.
How to identify Whiteflies
Like their close relatives the aphids, whiteflies use their mouths to pierce and suck the juices out of plants. In turn, they produce a sticky slime called honeydew. Honeydew, when left on its own, can cause fungal diseases such as sooty mold. With heavy whitefly feeding, plants will quickly become extremely weak and may be unable to carry out photosynthesis. Leaves will wilt, turn pale or yellow, growth will be stunted, and eventually, leaves may shrivel and drop off the plant. Honeydew is a sign that the whiteflies have been feeding for several days. You might also see ants, which are attracted to the sweet honeydew.
Whiteflies tend to feed on new growth. So if you’re wondering if you need Florida whitefly control, check around new leaves and growth first. And then check the undersides of leaves, especially near and on the veins, for these white insects. Even if they aren’t immediately visible, and feel leaf surfaces for the sticky honeydew. If the whiteflies are there and feeding, they’ll all suddenly fly off in a swarm so it’s…obvious.
You can also find their eggs laid on the underside of leaves. When these eggs hatch, the larvae look like small white ovals without legs and then don’t move but they start sucking the plant juice. This is why gardeners often miss whiteflies until it’s too late. Adult females can produce up to 400 eggs, which hatch in about one week to a month after laying. They are usually laid in a circular pattern. Eggs are pale yellow when newly laid and brown when about to hatch.
How to Prevent Whiteflies
Your first line of defense in any pest situation is going to be prevention. Inspect all plants that you buy at stores for pests before planting them or bringing them inside. Also, foster the presence of natural predators in your yard. This includes ladybugs, spiders, and dragonflies. Hummingbirds eat these pests as well when they get the chance. Also, avoid chemical insecticides. Not only are those dangerous as a whole to your health and, honestly, the health of your property, but whiteflies are usually resistant. That’s why you should stick to natural methods of Florida whitefly control. Or call a specialist who can help.
And when it comes to aphids, a spray bottle is always your first weapon to use. Using that or a watering hose, blast the whiteflies off of your plants. This will cause them to scatter and flee, and can even dislodge and knock away their eggs and young. Or even (very carefully) consider using a vacuum to suck them up off of your plants. But use lower power settings and plenty of caution, otherwise, you’ll just end up sucking the plant out of the ground.
Mulch early in the season with aluminum reflective mulch, especially around tomatoes and peppers. The reflective mulch makes it challenging for whiteflies to find their preferred host plants. Also, go to the store and grab yourself a pair of index cards. Set out yellow index cards coated with petroleum jelly to monitor whiteflies, especially when it comes to tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, or cabbage crops. A half-and-half mixture of petroleum jelly and dish soap, spread over small boards painted bright yellow, is sticky enough to catch little whiteflies, too. To whiteflies, the color yellow looks like a mass of new foliage. The bugs are easily attracted to the cards, get stuck in the jelly, and die.
