Staff Answer
May 17, 2022 - 07:04 AM
White flies are very similar to mealybugs and scale as far as treatments are concerned. The main difference is the latter two don't fly. We need, not only a treatment that will remove the larval and pupal stages, but also a way to prevent new adults from laying more eggs on the plant.
The larval and pupal stages can be killed with either neem oil, insecticidal soap (1 quart water to 1 teaspoon soap. Not detergent), or isopropyl alcohol (roughly 35%-70% concentration). Neem oil can be bought in most garden stores, insecticidal soap can be made and you can find isopropyl alcohol in most conveniences stores. These can be sprayed onto your plant with a common spray bottle.
It's important to note that all of these kill on contact, which means you need to spray in all the little crevasses and spaces between leaves where they could be hiding. Also remember to keep your plant out of the sun for a few hours after treating to prevent sunburn.
As far as the adults go, yellow sticky traps are quite effective as they are drawn to the color yellow. You can buy these in some garden stores but you can also make your own. Most yellow objects will work but yellow index cards are easy and cheap. Then, you can apply a heavier engine oil, Vaseline or even honey to the card to trap the insects. Whatever sticky substance you use, be sure to cover the card as completely as possible, on both sides, and then hang them on wire a few inches away from your plant.
The larval and pupal stages can be killed with either neem oil, insecticidal soap (1 quart water to 1 teaspoon soap. Not detergent), or isopropyl alcohol (roughly 35%-70% concentration). Neem oil can be bought in most garden stores, insecticidal soap can be made and you can find isopropyl alcohol in most conveniences stores. These can be sprayed onto your plant with a common spray bottle.
It's important to note that all of these kill on contact, which means you need to spray in all the little crevasses and spaces between leaves where they could be hiding. Also remember to keep your plant out of the sun for a few hours after treating to prevent sunburn.
As far as the adults go, yellow sticky traps are quite effective as they are drawn to the color yellow. You can buy these in some garden stores but you can also make your own. Most yellow objects will work but yellow index cards are easy and cheap. Then, you can apply a heavier engine oil, Vaseline or even honey to the card to trap the insects. Whatever sticky substance you use, be sure to cover the card as completely as possible, on both sides, and then hang them on wire a few inches away from your plant.
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