The small insect making itself known this summer!
Whiteflies are small white sap sucking insects 1-2mm in length and are often visible as they fly away when disturbed. They produce a sugary excretion called honey dew, which can directly cause sooty mould, a black mould that covers the leaves and branches of plants. With the removal of sap sucking pests, sooty mould will usually disappear. Whiteflies damage plants, contribute to the spread of diseases, and can sometimes cause plant death.
White Fly breed rapidly in warm conditions and can therefore cause a lot of damage to plants in the summer months. We have definitely noticed a large number of infestations this summer!
Symptoms
- Wilting of leaves
- Stunting of new growth
- Silvering and yellowing of leaves
Prevention
Foliar spray of insecticide Thiacloprid seasonally can prevent the infestations of White Fly. Healthy plants are also at less risk of infestation, so keeping your plants watered, trimmed and fertilised can aid in the prevention of sap sucking pests.
Cure
Foliar spray of insecticide Thiacloprid and horticultural oils as directed on product label will get rid of White Fly on your plants. It is important to get on top of infestations as they occur in your garden as Whiteflies breed so rapidly, and infestations can escalate very quickly.
AFTER SPRAYING INSECTICIDES we recommend:
Spreading compost
Compost carries good bacterias essential for decomposition of debris and soil health.
Natural fertilisers
– Fish,
– Seaweed
– Blood & Bone etc.
Whiteflies are a very common pest and when left untreated, they can potentially cause a lot of damage to your garden. It pays to stay aware of sap sucking pests, so that your garden can stay healthy this summer!
Do you have Whitefly?