Whiteflies are small sap-sucking insects that can cause serious damage to vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants by secreting honeydew, which can be seen on the leaves as yellowing and drying.
Surprisingly, they are not true flies. Instead, they are related to aphids, scales, and mealybugs, which are all common garden pests.
Plants Prone to Whiteflies: There is a lengthy list of plants that whiteflies like to feast on, but here are a few to keep an eye out for: grapes, eggplants, okra, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, citrus, cucumbers, squash, brassicas, poinsettias, hibiscus, begonias, petunias, and roses.
If you want to protect your plants against whiteflies without resorting to commercial pesticides, try using some of these chemical-free solutions.
1. Spray with water or dish soap
Using a powerful stream of water to eliminate the whiteflies is the most effective method of protecting your plants from damage. Nymphs and eggs can be washed away using a garden hose or a little sprayer. Or, mix 1 tablespoon of any mild liquid dish soap with a gallon of water and spray the afflicted plants with the solution. Repeat once every three days until no more adult flies or their eggs remain.
Keep in mind that this is mainly for controlling minor pest problems in indoor plants or those in containers on a patio or balcony.
