Whitefly Identification

What are whiteflies?

What whiteflies aren't are true flies; whiteflies are insects but are closely related to garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Whiteflies are a type of sap-sucking garden pest. Adults and nymphs feed on plant juices, causing damage to the plant they are feeding on in the process.

Whitefly eggs are tiny, white, and oval, and you'll find them on the underside portion of the leaves of an infected plant. Whitefly nymphs vary in color (transparent yellow, white, or black) and have white fringe. They are wingless and lack visible legs. Adults have yellowish bodies and four white, moth-like wings; covering the body and wings is a whitish wax. Whitefly adults are known for being fast flyers.

Are whiteflies dangerous?

Whiteflies are most abundant around and harmful to vegetable and ornamental plants. Problems with whiteflies include:

• Causing significant economic loss in the agricultural industry.
• Creating unpleasant looking damage to plants.
• Causing direct damage by sucking on plant juices and causing stunted plant growth or actual plant death.
• Causing indirect damage by secreting honeydew (a sweet, sticky substance) onto plants, which causes mold to develop that attracts ants and damaging garden pests to a property.

Why do I have a whitefly problem?

Whitefly populations flourish in warm-weather, making Florida an area of the country where these pests thrive. If there are plants on your property where they want to lay their eggs or feed on; whiteflies won't hesitate to take advantage. Whiteflies will find a way onto a property on their own, or we can accidentally introduce them to our yards on plants we have purchased.

Where will I find whiteflies?

Whiteflies are very attracted to vegetable and ornamental plants. House plants, flowers, vegetable plants, and weeds all attract whiteflies. They especially like to live and feed on hibiscus plants, mulberry trees, palm trees, and ficus hedges. They are mainly considered an outdoor or garden pest but sometimes get into homes on potted plants.

How do I get rid of whiteflies?

To get rid of the current problems you are experiencing with whiteflies, reach out to the experts at Empire Pest Defense. After we complete a thorough inspection, our professionals will provide effective treatment with the placement of granules, sprays, or deep root injections, depending on your property's unique needs.

Empire Pest Defense is a local company with a deep commitment to our community and providing our customers with top-notch, trustworthy pest control services. If you need help eliminating damaging whiteflies from your West Palm Beach area property, contact us today and learn more about our targeted whitefly control services!

How can I prevent whiteflies in the future?

Avoid problems with whiteflies with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Use a special reflective mulch in flower beds and garden areas that help to repel whiteflies.
• Remove any infected leaves off of plants.
• Use a hose to remove whitefly eggs off leaves.
• Remove plants from your yard that are attracting whiteflies.
• Partner with Empire Pest Defense; call today for a free estimate!

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.