Understanding white flies
Whiteflies are winged, soft-bodied insects related to aphids and mealybugs Whiteflies, despite their name, are not flies, despite the fact that they have wings and can fly. They can be as small as a tenth of an inch in length, have a triangular shape, and cluster on the undersides of leaves. They are more visible during the day and scatter when disturbed than some nocturnal.
How to identify whiteflies
Whiteflies, like aphids, use their piercing mouthparts to suck up plant juices and produce honeydew, a sticky substance. Honeydew left to its own devices can cause fungal diseases on leaves, such as sooty mold. Plants that are heavily fed by whiteflies become extremely weak and may be unable to carry out photosynthesis. Wilted leaves turn pale or yellow, growth is stunted, and leaves eventually shrivel and fall off the plant. The presence of honeydew indicates that the whiteflies have been feeding for several days. Ants are attracted to the sweet honeydew and may be seen.
How we treat white flies
