Whiteflies are a common insect pest and can affect many species of plant. When faced with a whitefly infestation, experts generally recommend an integrated management approach that combines natural and biological control measures with a chemical spray treatment. There are numerous chemicals used to repel whiteflies, and using them to their full effect requires careful consideration of many different factors. Does this Spark an idea?
Whiteflies and Insecticides
Experts recommend pesticide applications alongside other control methods in that pesticides generally have a limited effect on whitefly populations. Whiteflies are notoriously skilled at finding places to hide on a plant and an insecticide will only kill those whiteflies that come into direct contact with the insecticide. Additionally, whiteflies quickly develop tolerance to pesticides, and these pesticides can also reduce the population of predators that would otherwise keep whiteflies under control.
Repellent Chemicals
Despite their limitations, chemicals can still be an effective weapon against whiteflies. An insecticidal soap or horticultural oil such as neem oil or narrow-range oil can be very effective at repelling whiteflies on plants. There are also numerous contact insecticides labeled for whitefly control, but these generally have a marginal effect.
Application Tips
Proper application is critical to using chemicals to their full effect. The undersides of the lowest leaves on the plants tend to be the most infested with whiteflies, so be sure to spray these areas, too. Avoid using chemical treatments when the plants are drought stressed or when the outside temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other Considerations
If you purchase a repellent labeled for safe use and if you follow the manufacturer's application instructions, your plants will likely thrive. Still, some plants can suffer a toxic reaction. Test the repellent chemical on a small, inconspicuous part of the plant and monitor the plant for any potential signs of a toxic reaction.
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