Field Identification
A greenhouse and outdoor pest on vegetables and ornamentals; adults and nymphs suck sap from leaf undersides, excrete honeydew, and can vector some plant viruses. Often confused with Bemisia until you note the wings lie flatter and the waxy late nymphs look more like tiny scale insects.
Adults are small, white, moth-like, and hold wings roof-like over the body; nymphs are flat, oval, and sessile on the underside of leaves. Thrives in warm, protected environments and can explode when natural enemies are scarce.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Insecticidal soap, horticultural or plant-based oils, and neem where labeled—spot-treat and avoid broad coverage that wipes out parasitoids; Beauveria bassiana can help on nymphs in humid conditions.
Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus spp. are standard parasitoids in protected culture; Delphastus catalinae and lacewings supplement control—conserve them by avoiding unnecessary sprays.
Avoid excess nitrogen that produces lush, attractive foliage; remove heavily infested lower leaves; use reflective mulches in row crops to repel settling adults where practical.
Yellow sticky cards for monitoring and modest adult capture; gentle vacuuming of adults in enclosed spaces; strong water rinse can dislodge some adults and crawlers.
Inspect brought-in plants and cuttings; maintain banker plants or early releases of parasitoids in greenhouses; keep weeds that harbor whiteflies mowed back near structures.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Encarsia formosa
- Eretmocerus spp.
- Delphastus catalinae
- Lacewings
Threat Map