White Fly

These tiny insects are more similar to the sap sucking mealybugs, scale, and aphids than actual flies. Whitefly populations grow quickly in warm weather and, due to their small size, can be hard to see. The females lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves, where the nymphs will hatch and begin feeding off the plant. Like aphids, whiteflies produce honeydew, which is a key contributor to the growth of black sooty mold on leaves, which inhibits photosynthesis and plant growth. The mold also attracts ants, which further stunts the plant's growth.

Prevention is the best form of management, as large populations can be difficult to control. Begin by removing infected leaves from the infected plant or removing the plant from your garden if it consistently attracts whiteflies. We recommend systemic protection like Imidacloprid or Bifenthrin.