Controlling White Flies In The Greenhouse Or On Houseplants

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By: Nikki Phipps

White FliesWhite flies are the bane of nearly all indoor gardeners. There is a wide range of plants fed on by white flies; ornamental plants, vegetables, and houseplants are all affected by them. Their secretions can cause foliage to yellow and die. Controlling white flies is difficult but not impossible.
Controlling White Flies in the Greenhouse and Indoors

Effectively controlling white flies begins with familiarity of their life cycles, including various species. They deposit their eggs on the undersides of leaves, often in a circular or crescent-shaped pattern. Once hatched, they begin feeding on the plants until the adults emerge, whereupon they fly to nearby plants, lay eggs and repeat the cycle all over again. They can produce hundreds of eggs within a month or so. Since white flies are small in the early developmental stages, they are oftentimes difficult to detect.

However, adults, such as Silver-leaf white flies, are generally yellowish with white-colored wings. Their life cycle is completed in about 39 days or less. Adult greenhouse white flies are pale green or yellow. Their life cycle can last just 32 days. Banded-wing white flies can be distinguished from dark bands on the wings. Depending on temperature, their life cycle completes within 16 to 35 days. White flies develop quickly in warmer conditions. Once inside a warm environment, white flies can wreak havoc on plants.
White Fly Prevention

Prevention is also the key to controlling white flies. Close or screen all entry points to prevent white flies from entering. Clean and dispose all weeds and other plant debris. Prior to bringing new plants inside, carefully inspect them for white flies beginning at the top and working down, paying special attention to the undersides of leaves where white flies feed and reproduce. Discard any affected plants.

Before repotting plants, allow containers to air out for at least a week. Apply insecticide to remaining plants and those nearby; however, keep in mind that this may only reduce populations, not eliminate them. Insecticides have limited success on white flies in the greenhouse or indoors. Both the egg and pupa are tolerant of most insecticides. When using pesticides for controlling white flies, read and follow the directions carefully. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves. Continue to monitor plants frequently.
Use a Sticky White Fly Trap

Whether you have white flies in the greenhouse, indoors or in your garden, yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor or reduce white fly numbers. White flies are attracted to the color and will stick to the adhesive surface. Monitor your white fly trap frequently and replace as needed.

In addition to a white fly trap, aluminum foil or reflective mulches can also be used to repel white flies from ornamental plants. Vigilant removal of infested leaves and hosing down with soapy water is helpful too. Using a small, handheld vacuum cleaner can be effective for removing the adult white fly as well, especially during morning hours when they are sluggish. Place the vacuum bags in plastic, freezing overnight and disposing in the morning.

When it comes to white flies, ornamental plants, vegetables and your houseplants cane be protected with a few simple steps.

Contact Information

Gardening Know How
57 Wandle Ave
Bedford, OH 44146