Whiteflies in the Garden

My garden has been relatively free of whiteflies in recent years. A decline in the neighborhood infestation occurred when two large hibiscus bushes, dripping with whiteflies, in nearby yards were finally removed by the owners.

A few weeks ago, when cutting zinnias planted with my vegetables, a cloud of whiteflies emerged. 

I recalled making whitefly traps in my earliest gardening days after reading the research about the insect’s attraction to a certain bright yellow Rustoleum spray paint. We made little masonite squares which we spray-painted, coated with Tanglefoot and mounted on stakes in the garden. They worked.

Rummaging around my garden shelves, I found this trap. I think it came from my Dad’s garden leftovers. So I deployed it. 

Before long, the whiteflies found it “attractive.” Check your local garden center or Amazon for sticky whitefly traps.

The University of California IPM website recommends “Protect natural enemies such as lacewings, lady beetles, and mini-wasps.” I’ll leave most of the control to the natural predators.

I read Quick Tips: Whiteflies on the site and found useful suggestions for control. Check it out if your garden is frequented by whiteflies.