In places like Florida, some pests are just a year round hassle. White flies, also known as whiteflies, are no exception to that rule. Just a tenth of an inch in length in many cases, they look like tiny moths, but they can do far more serious damage.
Weakened Plants
Whiteflies have the ability to damage lots of different kinds of plants because they literally suck the plant juices out. Large amounts of sap can actually be removed during this process, so if a plant is really infested, it won’t grow well. The leaves may turn yellow, look too dry, and even fall off before they should.
The fact that whiteflies suck the juice out of your plants isn’t the only problem, though, they will remove more plant juice than their systems can actually process, so they excrete the extra in a sweet substance that is often referred to as honeydew. It can cover the surface of a leaf, acting as the perfect growth habitat for black mold. That, in turn, damages as plant’s photosynthesis process.
Which Plants Are Affected?
There are all kinds of plants that might be affected, but pest control professionals most commonly see ornamental plants infested with these problematic pests. Because a slight infestation on a single plant is the perfect breeding ground for more white flies, the issue can move from plant to plant rather quickly. Whiteflies do actually have some natural enemies including spiders and lady bugs, but if you regularly use insecticides around your plants, you may be killing off these beneficial predators.
Prevention
As with any type of infestation, pest control professionals recommend prevention above all else. Your best bet is to isolate any new plants you bring into your yard or greenhouse for several days before you introduce them to the larger group. Inspect them regularly, then treat any that are already infested. You’ll also want to regularly inspect your other plants. If you find infested leaves, make certain you remove them immediately.
In the event that you can’t control the whiteflies or you’re simple at wit’s end, contact a Brevard County pest control professional for additional help.