How To Eliminate Whiteflies From Plants?
In hot and humid areas, whiteflies are one of the most frequent pests. Also in greenhouses, because there the conditions are stable throughout the year. In Spain, these insects are most abundant during the spring and summer season.
Many believe that once they have infested a plant, there is no solution. Therefore, they believe that the best thing is to prevent the problem; For this, it is necessary to know the needs of the plant (substrate, light, temperature, water, nutrients) and review if these are being adequately met.
Instead, there are those who claim that it is possible to ‘save’ the plant from whiteflies with a few tricks. Below we will tell you what they are and how they are applied.
Fight whiteflies
Whiteflies are small insects 3 millimeters long, which attack the leaves of plants, stick their beak and absorb the sap. The first signs that can be seen can be some leaves that turn yellow, then dry up and finally fall off.
They are extremely harmful since they reproduce at an exponential speed. They have at least four generations a year. Understanding by generation the time that the entire life cycle of the insect lasts, from when the egg is laid until it dies.
Since they can feed on more than one plant, once they are detected, the first thing to do is take the plant to an isolated place. Preferably outside the home.
White vinegar: 3 proposals
Vinegar is dilute acetic acid and is obtained through the fermentation of a product that contains sugar or starch. It has antiseptic, antibacterial and disinfectant properties, which is why it is widely used at a medical and pharmaceutical level.
Benefits of using vinegar
- It’s economic.
- Not stain.
- Helps eliminate whiteflies while cleaning the blade and restoring its shine.
- Being antibacterial, it helps to eliminate germs that the plant or the environment may have.
1. Whitefly trap (option 1)
Whiteflies love fermented foods, so trapping them with white vinegar can be very helpful.
The acetic acid in this liquid will slow down their movements, which will allow them to catch easily. Taking this characteristic, if we place vinegar in a jar, the flies will enter it and be trapped.
Utensils:
- 1 wide-mouth jar with lid.
- 1 cup of vinegar (100 ml).
preparation:
- First, put the vinegar inside the jar.
- With a knife or other sharp object, pierce the lid of the jar in several places.
- Put the lid on the jar.
2. Whitefly trap (option 2)
Another trap that can be set for whiteflies is to take advantage of a sticky food, such as butter, lard or oil. Once the trap is ready, it is placed in the pot, thus diverting your attention from the plant.
Utensils:
- 1 flat cardboard plate.
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (20 ml).
- 1 small cardboard box with lid.
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (20 g).
preparation:
- Take the lid of the box and drill several holes in it.
- In a flat cardboard plate, place about 2 tablespoons of the peanut butter. Add about 2 tablespoons of vinegar on top and mix with the help of a spoon.
- Place the plate inside the box, with its lid.
- Place the box in the plant pot.
3. Vinegar and soap trap
This trap is great as the flies will choose to go where the mix is and will leave the plants. It is extremely practical, since several can be made and placed in different places or rooms.
Utensils:
- 1 cup of apple cider vinegar (100 ml).
- 1/2 cup of liquid soap (50 ml).
- 1 container.
preparation:
- First, take the cup and add the vinegar and soap.
- Mix well.
- Place in a place close to the affected plant.
To consider
Although traps will not completely eliminate whiteflies from plants, they will prevent them from killing them as long as the problem is addressed in time; that is, when the insects have not advanced too far.
The best way to prevent whiteflies is to keep the plant in good condition and try to check them regularly to check their condition. Thus, in case of noticing a different sign, we can anticipate the problem.
