Every gardener looks forward to spring, counting down the days when planting can begin and the flowers and shrubs of each season can be enjoyed. But apart from the mulching and trimming and enjoyment of the garden comes the typical garden pests, as well. One of those pests, the whitefly, is a gardener’s worst enemy. Here are some ways you can protect your landscape from whiteflies this season.
Whiteflies cause extensive damage to gardens and greenhouse plants, potentially costing the homeowner hundreds of dollars at one stroke. Sometimes even more damaging than small animals, whiteflies feed on plants from the egg to the adult. If you aren’t sure about whether you have a whitefly infestation, check the leaves of your plants. White or silvery leaves will be spotted with small black dots. Whiteflies prefer certain kinds of plants, particularly those that are under cover. This means any greenhouses or cloches you might build for outside plants are particularly welcoming environments for whiteflies. Typical plants they choose are fuschia, onions and peas. As these are typically first of spring plants, getting a handle on whiteflies can determine how the rest of the season goes.
Treatment can include an ovicide as well as other forms of pest prevention. An ovicide targets the eggs and prevents them from maturing and hatching, causing further damage. Other prevention strategies are targeted at killing the adult whitefly. However, it cannot be stressed enough that attempting this yourself could result in killing your crops and flowering plants. One shouldn’t indiscriminately use poisons to control these problems. Consulting your pest control & lawn experts will ensure the landscaping only receives the necessary sprays and nothing that would damage other plants or seep into the soil.