Whitefly Identification & Prevention

Whiteflies are dangerous to the plants they are using as a food source. These insects can cause several different types of harm to plants they use as a food source.

As they feed, these insects injure plants by sucking juices from them. Their feeding habits cause the leaves of plants to turn yellow, dry up, and drop from the plant. If enough of a plant’s leaves are injured and drop prematurely, it causes plant death.

During the feeding process, whiteflies can transmit several viruses through their mouthparts. Viruses weaken plants and sometimes cause them to die.

Like other aphids and garden pests, whiteflies produce honeydew. Honeydew is a sticky waste product that coats the leaves of its host plants. Honeydew attracts ants and other pests to your plants and allows sooty mold to grow. A large amount of dark sooty mold will reduce the ability of the sun’s necessary rays to reach the leaves.

Why Do I Have a Whitefly Problem?

Florida is a state where whitefly infestations are common. Our warm temperatures allow them to reproduce quickly and in large numbers. Whiteflies need to sustain large populations to prevent them from being wiped out by common predators like spiders, ladybugs, and small birds. Because of their large numbers, these insects are frustrating and challenging to control. Whiteflies quickly move from plant to plant, causing lasting damage.

Where Will I Find Whiteflies?

You will find whiteflies anywhere there are plants they can use as breeding sites and food sources. Females lay their tiny white eggs on the underside of leaves. A single female can produce around 400 eggs in her lifetime.

Plants most likely to attract the attention of the whitefly include many ornamental plants, vegetable plants, and some weeds. These insects regularly infest Cape Coral properties on their own after being attracted by suitable host plants. However, they can also be introduced accidentally by homeowners who have purchased infected plants from nurseries. While the whitefly is typically an outdoor pest, it can become a problem indoors when infected potted plants are brought inside.