How to get rid of whiteflies

The complete guide

Whitefly

Difficulty Medium

Frequency Medium

Reproductive rate Up to 400x

Lifecycle Up to 45 days

Whiteflies are small flying insects that feed on plant sap, leading to weakening and reduced growth. Their rapid reproduction can severely stress the plants.

Ornamental plants

Vegetable plants

Greenhouse plants

Identifying whiteflies

Whiteflies cause various types of damage, such as wilted, spotted, or pitted leaves. A sticky substance may build up on the leaves, while small white dots appear on their underside. Gently shaking the plant disturbs the whiteflies and makes the small white insects visible.

Early infestation

Small yellow or white spots on the leaves

Advanced infestation

Presence of white pupae under the leaves
Yellowing or wilting of the foliage
Sticky substance on leaves and stems
Slowed growth

Treatment options

Indoor plants

Small greenhouses

Prevention

You will need :

Scissors / Pruners
Plastic bags
Yellow sticky traps

Natural predators :

How to treat whiteflies?

The most effective and safe strategy is to dislodge the majority of immature whiteflies using a strong water jet and introduce natural predators to detect and eliminate any remaining individuals. Combining Amblyseius swirskii and green lacewings targets eggs, larvae, and pupae. Yellow sticky traps help reduce the adult population.

1

Preparation

Cutting a damaged leaf in a tropical plant

Cut off damaged leaves

The most damaged leaves usually harbor whitefly pupae. If possible, cut them off.

Removing debris from the soil of a tropical plant

Remove debris

Remove dead leaves and other debris that may interfere with the treatment.

Wrap the pot

Wrap the pot in a plastic bag to protect the root ball during the treatment.

2

Cleaning

Prepare a workspace

Prepare a workspace that can get wet; ideally outside, in the sink or in the bathtub.

Adjust the water

Use the strongest jet of water possible without damaging the plant (hose, faucet, showerhead, etc.).

Cleaning a tropical plant with a powerful water jet

Wash the leaves and stems

Generously spray all leaves and stems, paying close attention to the underside of the leaves. Cover all angles in several passes.

3

Drying

Let the plant dry

Wait for the leaves to be completely dry before introducing predators.

4

Sticky traps

Installing a yellow sticky trap in a tropical plant

Install the sticky traps

Install the yellow sticky traps to control adult whiteflies.

5

First introduction

Installation of green lacewing strips in the foliage of a tropical plant

Introduce the lacewings

Install the lacewing strips in the plant’s foliage.

Introduction of bulk predatory mites into a tropical plant

Introduce the bulk swirskii

Distribute the bulk swirskii using small containers.

6

Second introduction

Repeat the introduction

Wait three weeks and repeat the same introduction (lacewings and swirskii).

A few important points

Natural predators are particularly effective at detecting hidden eggs, larvae, and pupae once their population has been reduced. The more thorough the initial cleaning, the higher the chances of success.
Since winged adults easily escape cleaning, contact insecticides, and predators, treatment must target eggs, larvae, and pupae over a sufficiently long period to cover an entire life cycle.

Once the treatment is complete

Use yellow sticky traps to confirm the success of the treatment. If new whiteflies are detected, repeat the water cleaning or foliar black soap treatment once a week. Otherwise, you can consider your treatment successful. We recommend using the preventive treatment to avoid a new infestation.

Do I absolutely need to treat all my plants?

Whiteflies spread quickly, and the absence of symptoms does not mean the plants are healthy. It is therefore strongly recommended to treat all plants simultaneously. However, you can isolate plants that appear healthy and apply only the preventive treatment to them.

What should I do if I cannot wash a plant with a water jet?

If washing the plant with a water jet is not possible, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to treat whiteflies. Consider discarding the plant, taking cuttings, or pruning its foliage completely.

Do I need to repeat cleaning before each introduction?

Cleaning is always necessary before the first introduction. If the initial infestation was severe or many insects are still visible at the time of subsequent introductions, it is preferable to carry out another pre-introduction cleaning. Conversely, it is no longer necessary once the infestation appears to be under control.

Is it necessary to replace the substrate to treat whiteflies?

The eggs, pupae, and adult whiteflies remain on the foliage. Not only is replacing the substrate unnecessary, but it also causes additional stress that could further weaken the plant.