INSECT ID · SUCKING PEST
Whiteflies
Also called Whitefly, white flies, silverleaf whitefly
Tiny white insects that live on the underside of leaves. They suck sap and leave honeydew, which grows black sooty mold.
How to spot it
- Tiny white insects, about 1 to 3 mm, hovering around the plant
- Flat, pale, scale-like specks on the underside of leaves (the young)
- Empty shells left stuck to the leaf
- Yellowing or drying leaves
- Sticky leaves with black sooty mold
Why it shows up
Adults are weak flyers, but air currents carry them from plant to plant. A female lays 150 to 300 eggs on the underside of young leaves. Egg to adult can take just 2 to 5 weeks, so numbers jump fast in warm weather. Too much water, too much fertilizer, or heavy pruning can help them settle in.
How we treat it
We will identify it on a visit and recommend the right fix. Different whiteflies cause different damage, so knowing which one you have matters. Removing badly infested plants can protect the ones nearby. If they keep building, we will talk through other options with you.
What you can do
- Flip leaves over and check the underside before you buy a plant.
- Do not over-water or over-fertilize shrubs and flowers.
- Pull out badly infested plants so they do not spread to the rest.
WANT IT HANDLED?
Let a licensed applicator take it from here.
Tell us about your lawn. We’ll get back to you with a free quote.
Prefer to talk? 817-382-1722Licensed applicator, Texas Department of Agriculture · License #0984138