The whitefly is an extremely unwelcome and persistent parasite. Fortunately, numerous biological measures are now known that put the whitefly to flight. In greenhouses, gardeners like to use predators such as parasitic wasps or hang up yellow boards. In the home, however, these control measures are unsuitable. So what helps if the whitefly has infested your houseplant?
Whiteflies should be fought as quickly as possible
sensible measures
Act now
You recognize an infestation:
- white flies on the underside of the leaves
- speckled leaves
- honeydew
- as well as a swarm flying up when you touch the plant
To avoid rapid spread, as soon as symptoms appear, remove all parts of the plant that show whitefly characteristics.
The right location
The white fly likes a warm room climate with high humidity. Temporarily move your houseplant to a dry, cool place.
tips
If your houseplant can tolerate frosty temperatures, it helps to put the plant outside overnight in winter. The white flies are gone by the next morning.
Change the substrate
The larvae that sit in the potting soil are particularly dangerous. If possible, replace the entire substrate when symptoms appear. Prevent the females from laying more eggs with a layer of sand on the potting soil.
canola oil treatment
An effective home remedy for whiteflies is rapeseed oil. To create a solution:
- Mix 30% rapeseed oil with 70% water
- Put in a spray bottle
- Spray on the plant
Attention: The solution is only valid for a limited time. You can also use soft soap, (44.90€) nettle stock, garlic, basil stock or neem oil.
Helpful herbs
On top of that, many herbs are suitable for combating because of their smell, which whiteflies find unpleasant. How about your own little herb garden on the windowsill, consisting of:
- wild herbs
- basil
- thyme
- sage
- mint