Whiteflies

Greenhouse Whitefly Control

Whiteflies can be effectively controlled biologically, focusing on early development stages. They damage plants by puncturing leaves and spreading harmful viruses, making them a serious pest in horticulture. Key natural enemies for biological control include:

• Encarsia formosa (parasitic wasp): Lays eggs in whitefly larvae, killing them.
• Transeius montdorensis (predatory mite): Targets both whiteflies and thrips, effective in dark and warm conditions.
• Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mite): Prefers non-mobile stages of whitefly; best used in early development.
• Delphastus catalinae (predatory beetle): Feeds on whitefly larvae.
• Macrolophus (predatory bug): Specializes in whiteflies but also controls other pests.

Tip: Combine biological control with good hygiene for best results.