White Fly

Whitefly are small, white insects of the family Aleyrodidae. There are approximately 1,400 species of white fly worldwide.

Whitefly live on the underside of foliage, feeding on the plant sap.  Small infestations are generally harmless however, large numbers of whitefly feeding on the sap will weaken the plant. They may also introduce viral infections, causing disease which can weaken it further & possibly kill infected plants. As whitefly feed, they secrete a sugary substance which causes a mould known as sooty mould to develop.

Signs of white fly:

• Small, white insects. They are around 3mm long.

• As already mentioned, white fly generally live on the underside of leaves, although some can be found on the upper side of leaves also.  When the plant is disturbed they will fly off the plant, but quickly resettle on the plant.

• Deformed, wilting & dropping leaves on affected plants. 

Controlling white fly:

• Regularly check your plants for signs of whitefly.

• Whitefly are attracted to the colour yellow. Sticky traps can be made by coating yellow board with oil & placed around the plants.

• Apply a suitable pesticide, your garden centre should be able to advise on the best product.

• Natural predators such as ladybirds can be collected & placed on plants with whitefly.

• Companion planting. Marigolds are a natural repellant to whitefly.

• Always carefully check plants before introducing them to your garden to reduce the chances of bringing whitefly along with the plant.

• Spraying the underneath of leaves with water can kill whitefly.