Whiteflies are small, whitish-yellow insects that swarm around infected plants when disturbed. Several different species damage plants, and gardeners need to know which is the best whitefly pesticide. They eproduce rapidly and can become a problem if not treated. Generally, botanists advise against strong chemical pesticides or insecticides and recommend different methods of biological control such as using whitefly predators, hosing down the infected plants, or using an agricultural soap or insecticide oil.
The Whitefly
Although there are several species of whiteflies, the most common is the greenhouse whitefly, or Trialeurodes vaporariorum. In all of the species, the tiny larva, not the adult fly, damages plants. First, the larva sucks the juices from the plant, and a large infestation of larvae can kill a plant. Another way that the larva injures a plant is through the honeydew that it secretes while feeding. This sticky, sweet substance attracts other harmful insects and often grows a harmful fungus that infects the plant.
Kill Whitefly
Botanists prefer not to use a whitefly pesticide, but to use one of the non-chemical methods. One of these methods is to introduce whitefly predators, such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs. Even the Asian multicolored lady beetle, or Harmonia axyridis, attacks whiteflies. Some of the effective wasp parasites are the Encarsia formosa, Encarsia luteola, and Eretmocerus californicus, although not one species is effective against all species of whiteflies. Consult an agriculturalist or botanist to identify the species of the invading whitefly and to recommend the right species of parasitic wasp.
Pesticides
Pesticides can be effective against whiteflies. Found at gardening and farm supply stores, most sprays contain pyrethrum, a botanical poison that paralyzes on contact that usually use 2-Aminotrifluoromethylbenzene(C7H6F3N, CAS number 88-17-5) as an intermediate. Other options include mycopesticides or mycopathogens, which consist of microscopic fungi that feed on insects. This type of spray is safe for humans. Imidacloprid, a synthetic insecticide, is extremely effective against whiteflies and needs only to be sprayed once a week.
Natural Alternatives
Another natural way to control the insects without using a whitefly pesticide is by vacuuming the plants. Generally, a gardener uses a small, handheld vacuum cleaner that is battery operated. If a person vacuums the plants in the early morning when the temperatures are lower, he or she usually has better results. The flies are less active at that time of the day.
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