Description:
Dandruff like tiny insects with
two pairs
of wings that are covered in
a white powdery
wax.
Detection:
They live mostly on the under
side of leaves
and especially like newly unfurled
leaves.
Tapping the plant will cause
them briefly
to take flight, however once
a infestation
has been discovered, if possible
isolate
the plant as the flies will quickly
spread.
Foliage will eventually yellow
and drop as
the infestation strengthens.
Like aphids,
whiteflies also excrete a sticky
honeydew
which could attract a black sooty
mold.
Control:
a) If small number of plants are affected;
Take the plant from isolation
into a well
ventilated area, preferably outside
and spray
the plant with malathion or rotenone
paying
particular attention the undersides
of the
leaves. Most sprays will not
be particularly
effective against the eggs of
the Whitefly,
so repeat the spraying every
two days and
when the infestation has retreated,
spray
every ten days to insure all
Whiteflies in
different stages of growth are
destroyed.
For minor infestations, wipe
the underside
of the leaves with an alcohol
soaked cloth
and then rinse with a strong
spray of tepid
water. Always wash your hands
after handling
an infested plant to prevent
the spreading
of their eggs to other plants.
An insecticidal
soap spray can also be used.
