Actually, the gardener should be pleased that the white fly makes high demands on the temperature. Outdoor plants are therefore relatively protected in the local climate. However, the situation is quite different when it is cultivated in a greenhouse. Due to the high humidity and heat, the pests feel very comfortable here and multiply rapidly. Here are some steps you can take to treat an infestation.

Whiteflies can spread quickly in the greenhouse

countermeasures

You can use the following methods to combat whitefly:

  • yellow sticker
  • parasitic wasps
  • Relocation of affected plants
  • home remedies

yellow sticker

Yellow stickers are yellow colored tape that you hang from the ceiling of your greenhouse. Whiteflies catch the paint and stick to the sticky film. The utensils can be found in any specialist shop. After some time you should change your yellow sticker.

parasitic wasps

The parasitic wasp is considered the natural predator of the white fly, but is completely harmless to your plants. The trade offers small bags from which the beneficial insects hatch. However, the application is only possible under a few restrictions, namely when

  • temperatures in your greenhouse are at least 18°C.
  • the humidity in your greenhouse is at least 70%.
  • the beneficial insects find sufficient food on site.
  • bring enough patience with you.
  • You want to control the infestation in the period from March to September.

Relocation of affected plants

If only a few plants are infested by the whitefly, you should isolate them as soon as possible so that the pest does not spread to healthy specimens. With potted plants this is very easy. If you have to dig up a plant, you should consider whether the risk of it surviving the change of location is really worth it. How to proceed with the isolation:

  1. Choose a far away beach location.
  2. This should be cool and airy.
  3. Check the plant well.
  4. As soon as you no longer see any flies, place the plant in its old location.

home remedies

The following home remedies from our own production show an effective effect:

  • Water-rapeseed oil solution
  • soft soap
  • plant basil
  • Rinse plants with cold water (helps against maggots)
  • nettles or cabbage soaked in water

Category:

Animals in the garden