Identification
Whiteflies are small, winged insects measuring about 1-3 mm in length. They have soft, white bodies and are covered in a powdery, wax-like coating. They possess two pairs of wings and six legs, with short antennae. Whiteflies resemble tiny moths and are commonly found in warm climates worldwide, especially in greenhouses and agricultural settings.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Whiteflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay eggs on the undersides of leaves, which hatch into crawlers within a few days. The nymphs go through several instars before developing into adults. The full lifecycle can be completed in 20-30 days, with multiple generations occurring each year in favorable conditions.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Whiteflies feed on plant sap using their piercing-sucking mouthparts. They prefer warm environments and thrive in greenhouses, gardens, and agricultural fields. They are most active during the day and tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves. When disturbed, they quickly take flight in large swarms.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
These pests are commonly found on vegetable plants, ornamental flowers, and fruit trees. They infest crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and citrus trees. Indoors, they are frequent greenhouse pests, thriving in warm, humid conditions.
Threats & Danger
Whiteflies pose a significant threat to plants by weakening them through excessive sap removal. Their feeding results in yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. They also excrete honeydew, which encourages sooty mold growth, further damaging plants. Additionally, whiteflies can transmit plant viruses, leading to severe agricultural losses.
Prevention
- Inspect plants regularly and remove infested leaves.
- Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Use reflective mulch to deter whiteflies from landing on plants.
- Maintain proper plant spacing to reduce humidity and discourage infestations.
- Avoid over-fertilization, as excessive nitrogen attracts whiteflies.
Signs of Infestation
- Yellowing and wilting leaves.
- Sticky honeydew residue on leaves and nearby surfaces.
- Presence of tiny white insects swarming when disturbed.
- Black sooty mold developing on foliage.
- Stunted plant growth and reduced fruit or vegetable production.
How to Get Rid of It
- Spray infested plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Introduce biological control agents like Encarsia formosa wasps.
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and capture adult whiteflies.
- Apply horticultural oils to smother eggs and nymphs.
- Prune heavily infested leaves and dispose of them properly.