Whiteflies are a common pest affecting both houseplants and outdoor gardens. Like many plant pests, whiteflies can damage and even kill your plants if left untreated. Luckily, there are several ways to treat whitefly infestations in your houseplants. Here are some of the most effective methods:
Whiteflies can be sucked up with a vacuum and disposed of outside the home. Use a handheld vacuum or hose attachment with very low suction strength so you don't harm the plants. Carefully vacuum both sides of leaves and the stems of the plant to get rid of whiteflies in a hurry.
Another efficient way of removing a whitefly infestation is by spraying plants with water. Take your houseplants outside and give them a thorough bath with the hose. Use enough water pressure to wash the insects away, but be careful not to harm any tender foliage.
Yellow sticky traps are useful for controlling many houseplant pests including whiteflies. Add these traps to your plants near the base of the plant to capture and kill adult whiteflies. Follow the label instructions for best usage advice.
Use either a store-bought insecticidal soap spray or make your own mixture at home. To create a DIY spray, mix plain dish soap or castile soap with water. Begin with a weak concentration of about one teaspoon per gallon to avoid making suds.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide and fungicide commonly used to treat and prevent plant pest infestations. It's major advantage is having a systemic effect, meaning it will keep working after the plant has absorbed some of the oil. Combining neem oil and insecticdal soap is a great way to treat your plants on an ongoing basis to prevent new whitefly growth.
The best treatment for whiteflies is prevention. An extremely effective way to prevent a whitefly infestation is to carefully inspect every new plant before and after you bring it home. Many plant owners treat their new plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil right away, regardless of pest activity.
While it might take more than one method or round of treatment, these are the best ways to control and prevent whiteflies in your houseplants. Check your plants regularly and treat any symptoms right away to keep them as healthy as possible.
Kimberly Kelly decided to get her real estate license when she moved to South Orange with her family and fell in love with the classic, period homes of the area. Having worked in the city for many years for LexisNexis, Kim understands the appeal of an easy commute to NYC. That’s why she specializes in towns along the Mid-Town Direct train line, offering welcoming communities, good schools, and space to grow.
Very active in her children’s school PTA, Kim knows firsthand how important a school system is to parents looking to make the move to the ‘burbs. She volunteers with fairs, fundraising, and other activities that bolster support for education. Kim also believes involvement in the greater community enriches us all and has sat on various boards & associations throughout the years.
Kim Kelly has lived many places throughout her life, from Pennsylvania to Oregon, but has found New Jersey to be the ideal place to raise her family and put down roots. She loves nothing more than helping others discover their special place as well. Kim’s extensive knowledge of the area, combined with her sense of community, offers clients a personalized guide to finding the right house - and town - to call home.
