When compared to larger – and scarier! – scorpions or dangerous spiders that can call your home their home, a whitefly infestation may not seem like a big deal. However, these little guys can pose a serious threat to your lawn, and they’ve got an ick factor all their own.
What is a whitefly?
Whiteflies are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of plants, ingesting sugars from the leaves and ultimately damaging or destroying the plant in the process. There are three varieties of whiteflies: ficus, rugose spiraling, and bondar’s nesting. Each feeds off a different type of plant, with about 30 varieties of plants being susceptible to the insect.
How do I know if I have a whitefly infestation?
The first indicator of a whitefly infestation will be damaged or dying plants. Inspect the affected foliage, particularly the underside of the leaves, and if you see small, white insects with wings, it’s probably a whitefly. You can also check for whitefly eggs, which females lay in telltale spiral patterns on leaves. Whiteflies will also leave behind a sticky substance which you can feel by rubbing your fingers on your plants’ leaves.
What can I do about it?
While there are many websites out there touting DIY remedies for whitefly infestations, these bugs are destructive and prolific enough to warrant a visit from an outdoor pest control professional. It’s time to call Slug-A-Bug, a Brevard County pest control service. We specialize in eliminating whitefly problems and taking the extra measures to ensure the little bugs don’t come back. We’ll also make sure that your plants aren’t sacrificed in the process, which is a common occurrence when Floridians try to combat their whitefly infestations on their own.
Don’t wait – if you think you’ve got whiteflies taking up residence on your prized plants, it’s time to call for back up!