Common crops affected
What is it?
Whiteflies are small (1–2 mm) white-winged insects related to aphids and scale. They gather on the undersides of leaves, where both adults and their immature stages suck sap. They breed continuously in warm conditions, so populations build quickly in greenhouses and mild climates.
How to identify it
- Clouds of tiny white insects that fly up when the plant is shaken
- Whitish, scale-like immature stages on leaf undersides
- Yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth
- Sticky honeydew and black sooty mold on leaves below
Damage and how it spreads
Heavy whitefly feeding saps plant vigor and reduces yield, while honeydew fuels sooty mold that blocks light. Most seriously, whiteflies transmit a range of plant viruses, which can devastate susceptible crops. Their fast breeding in warm conditions means infestations escalate quickly without intervention.
How to control it
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult numbers.
- Remove and destroy heavily infested lower leaves.
- Protect natural enemies and avoid broad-spectrum chemicals.
- Spray a natural contact insecticide on leaf undersides, repeating to catch new adults.
Recommended Vegalab solution: Spider Mite Control
Vegalab Spider Mite Control controls whiteflies along with aphids, mites, and thrips, using natural plant oils that kill soft-bodied pests on contact. For mixed-pest pressure, MultiMite Control provides broad-spectrum coverage. Spray thoroughly on leaf undersides where whiteflies congregate, dilute at 1:500, repeat every 3–5 days, and avoid peak sun.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Spider Mite Control | Contact miticide / insecticide |
| Companion / broader pressure | MultiMite Control | Broader mixed mite & insect pressure |
Preventing it next season
Scout regularly with sticky traps, quarantine new plants before introducing them (especially in greenhouses), and keep beneficials active. Resilient plants handle pressure better with support from Armour Boost.
Claims and product availability vary by jurisdiction. Always read and follow the product label.