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Silverleaf Whitefly Characteristics and Control

Life Cycle

Silverleaf whiteflies are most active and have the highest population during the summer months. They can reproduce during any season and do so several times a year, though most frequently during the summer. During the spring and summer they primarily effect crops and gardens whereas they effect ornamental plants and weeds during the winter.

Management

Whiteflies have a capacity to adapt immunity to pesticides quickly. Also, pesticides can harm some o the whiteflies natural enemies which can be used to control them. Ladybugs can be introduced to eat whitefly eggs and control the population by limiting reproduction. Green lacewings work in the same way. There is a small wasp which can be used which infects young whiteflies with its eggs and kills them parasitically.

Prevention

When purchasing new plants or transplanting, be sure to check the plant carefully for whitefly eggs, larvae or honeydew. Many infestations start by transferring whiteflies in this way. Also, if whiteflies have effected your plants, these plants should be destroyed after the harvest to prevent future infestations. Planting can be delayed until after whiteflies are done migrating for the summer and thus are less likely to establish populations in your planst.