Whiteflies: Identification and Control Indoors
Shake your plant and see a cloud of white dust? Those are whiteflies.
Key Takeaways
- Check soil moisture before watering.
- Look for signs of stress early.
- Consistency is key for recovery.
Whiteflies are related to aphids and mealybugs. They hide on the undersides of leaves and fly up in a cloud when disturbed.
The Damage
- Yellowing leaves: They suck sap.
- Sticky mess: They excrete honeydew, which leads to Sooty Mold (black fungus).
Control Plan
1. The Vacuum Method
Carefully use a handheld vacuum (on low) to suck up the flying adults. Do this early morning when they are sluggish.
2. Yellow Sticky Traps
Like fungus gnats, whiteflies love yellow. Hang traps near the plant top.
3. Insecticidal Soap
Spray the undersides of leaves thoroughly. This only kills on contact, so you must hit them.
4. Worm Castings
Mixing worm castings into the topsoil can help repel whiteflies systematically over time (anecdotal but popular).
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