Every year when summer rolls around, gardeners face a familiar enemy: tiny but destructive insects. Among the worst of them are whiteflies — small, sneaky pests that can cause serious damage to your plants. In this guide, we’ll explain what whiteflies are, how they behave, and most importantly, how to get rid of them without using harsh chemicals.
Whiteflies are tiny winged insects, usually no bigger than 2 millimeters. Their pale white wings make them visible against green leaves, although they often hide on the undersides of leaves. If disturbed, they quickly fly away, which makes them tricky to catch.
They feed by sucking the sap from plants, leading to curled, discolored leaves. On top of that, they leave behind a sticky substance known as honeydew. This residue attracts mold and can seriously affect plant health. Whiteflies typically target vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, and eggplants, but they’re also known to infest fruit bushes and flowers like roses and peonies.
Whiteflies thrive in warm, humid environments—like greenhouses or mild outdoor climates. They prefer temperatures between 21–26°C and humidity levels around 70–80%. One female can lay up to 300 eggs in just a few weeks. With up to 15 generations possible in a single year, infestations can grow fast.
While adult whiteflies die off when the temperature drops below 10°C, their eggs are much tougher. They can survive winter and hatch once temperatures rise again.
The best way to fight whiteflies is to stop them before they start. Here are a few prevention tips:
Inspect young plants carefully before planting. Infested seedlings will bring trouble later.
Space your plants properly. Crowded gardens make it easier for pests to spread.
Keep the area clean. Remove weeds and old plant material that might harbor insects.
Sanitize greenhouses. Turn the soil and clean all surfaces before planting.
These steps may not eliminate the problem entirely, but they’ll slow down whitefly reproduction and give your plants a fighting chance.
If whiteflies have already invaded, don’t panic. While chemical sprays are an option, there are also safer, homemade alternatives that can be just as effective.
1. Dandelion Spray
Gather 20–30 grams of dandelion root and 40 grams of leaves. Soak them in one liter of water for 2–3 hours. Strain the liquid and spray it onto the plants every two weeks.
2. Garlic Infusion
Crush 100 grams of garlic and mix with 0.5 liters of water. Let it sit for five days. When ready, add 5 ml of the mixture to one liter of water and spray affected plants weekly.
3. Iodine Solution
Mix 1 teaspoon of iodine, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 40 ml of liquid soap in one liter of warm water. Then dilute this mix with 10 liters of water. Spray your plants every 2–3 days for best results.
Whiteflies might be small, but they can do serious harm if left unchecked. The good news is that with a bit of care and the right natural remedies, you can protect your garden without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Do you have your own trick for dealing with whiteflies? Share your tips in the comments—your advice might just save someone else’s garden!
