AOL: How to Get Rid of Whiteflies Naturally, According to a Pest Control Expert How to Get Rid of Whiteflies Naturally, According to a Pest Control Expert Whiteflies are hemipterans that typically feed on the undersides of plant leaves. They are classified in the family Aleyrodidae, the only family in the superfamily Aleyrodoidea. More than 1550 whitefly species have been described.

Understanding the Context

WHAT ARE WHITEFLIES? Despite its name, whitefly is not a true fly, but is closely related to aphids, mealybugs, and scale. These soft-bodied winged insects feed on plant sap, causing leaf damage and a host of other problems. Whiteflies often congregate on fresh growth and the undersides of plant leaves or around leaf veins, but they also fly up in swarms when disturbed.

Key Insights

If you suspect your plants are infested, gently shake the leaves. If small, white insects fly out, chances are good you have a whitefly problem. Whitefly, any sap-sucking member of the insect family Aleyrodidae (order Homoptera). The nymphs, resembling scale insects, are flat, oval, and usually covered with a cottony substance; the adults, 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 inch) long, are covered with a white opaque powder and resemble tiny moths. Prevent whitefly problems by reducing dusty conditions, choosing less susceptible plants, using reflective mulches, and avoiding pesticides that kill whitefly natural enemies.

Final Thoughts

Whiteflies are sap feeders that reduce the overall vigor of plants with their feeding. As whitefly infestations become severe, they cause plants to yellow and lose their leaves prematurely.