Common house plant pests: Whitefly
Description:
Dandruff like tiny insects with two pairs of wings that are covered in a white powdery wax.
Detection:
Whiteflies are dandruff-like tiny insects with two pairs of wings that are covered in a white powdery wax. Younger stages are wingless, and damage the plants severely by sucking out their juices. The adults live mostly on the underside of leaves and especially like newly unfurled leaves. Tapping the plant will cause them briefly to take flight. Once an infestation has been discovered it will quickly spread and you should isolate the plant if this is possible. Foliage will eventually yellow and drop as the infestation strengthens. Like most of these pests, whiteflies excrete a sticky honeydew which could attract a black sooty mould.
Control:
Take the plant from isolation into a well ventilated area, preferably outside and spray the plant with a chemical approved for use in your area, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves. An insecticidal soap spray can also be used with relatively little risk, but like most sprays it will not be particularly effective against the whitefly eggs. Repeat the spraying every two days and when the infestation has retreated, spray every ten days to insure all whiteflies in different stages of growth are destroyed. For minor infestations, wipe the underside of the leaves with an alcohol soaked cloth and then rinse with a strong spray of tepid water. Always wash your hands after handling an infested plant to prevent the spreading of their eggs to other plants. This is a serious pest, and by far the best control is to be sure that it is never brought into the house. Be very careful to inspect any new plant brought in, and, if possible, keep it quarantined and under observation for a few days.
This information is the copyright of PlantCare.com (c) 1995-2001, All rights reserved.