Key Takeaways
- Isolate affected plants immediately to prevent pests from spreading.
- Identify the pest correctly before choosing a treatment method.
- Repeat treatments every 5–7 days for at least 3 cycles to break the egg cycle.
Whiteflies are related to aphids and mealybugs. They hide on the undersides of leaves and fly up in a cloud when disturbed.
The Damage
- Yellowing leaves: They suck sap.
- Sticky mess: They excrete honeydew, which leads to Sooty Mold (black fungus).
Control Plan
1. The Vacuum Method
Carefully use a handheld vacuum (on low) to suck up the flying adults. Do this early morning when they are sluggish.
2. Yellow Sticky Traps
Like fungus gnats, whiteflies love yellow. Hang traps near the plant top.
3. Insecticidal Soap
Spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly. This only kills on contact, so you must hit them.
4. Worm Castings
Mixing worm castings into the topsoil can help repel whiteflies systematically over time (anecdotal but popular).
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