A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 White fly

Control of mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, scales and aphids can be a problem indoors because of the difficulty in applying insecticides to the target area. For treating smaller plants, place them in a 20 to 30 gallon tightly closed plastic bag for 12 to 24 hours with a no-pest-strip insecticide. Repeat at weekly intervals for about three treatments and then repeat at intervals of a month or two. The active ingredient in the no-pest-strip, vapona, can be quite toxic, so be sure to read all label precautions before using. It is difficult to attain a complete eradication. Do not treat velvet plants (Gynura), Boston ferns and their varieties, zebra plants (Aphelandra) and Peperomias because of possible injury.

Hand removal of leaves heavily infested may reduce the whiteflies population. Insecticidal soap is effective against whiteflies when properly applied. Be sure to cover undersides of all infested leaves; usually these are the lowest leaves and the most difficult to reach. Use soap when the temperatures are cool to prevent possible damage to the plant. Use of other pesticides to control whiteflies should be avoided. Not only do most of these kill natural enemies, whiteflies quickly build up resistance to them and most are not effective. A small, handheld battery operated vacuum cleaner has also been recommended for vacuuming adults off leaves or stickly traps. Vacuuming must be done in the early morning or other times when it is cool and whiteflies are sluggish. Kill vacuumed insects by placing the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and freezing it overnight. Contents may be dumped the next day. Aluminum foil mulches or silver painted clear plastic mulches will repel whiteflies, especially away from small plants. Sticky traps either purchased [sticky substrates such as Stickem or Tanglefoot] or handmade can also be used to control whiteflies. Place the traps with the sticky side facing the plant. You can make your own adhesive trap from one part petroleum jelly or mineral oil and one part household detergent. These materials can be cleaned off boards easily with soap and water, whereas commercial solvent must be used to remove the other adhesives.