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ElizabethB
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Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:53 am
Location: Lafayette, LA

White Flies

Hey Guys and Gals,

I am sitting on my patio watching SWARMS of white flies settle on the few patio plants that managed to survive the extreme heat and drought of this summer.

I HATE WHITE FLIES!


Your 2 cents will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks All! O:)

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rainbowgardener
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Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
Location: TN/GA 7b

Hi Elizabeth - I hesitate to say anything, because you are the expert, but since you asked. ... I'm sure you know it is not only harmful (to all the beneficial insects), but useless to spray poison on them. Whiteflies have already developed resistances to most insecticides. Natural predators of them include ladybugs and lacewings. There is also a tiny non-stinging wasp which parasitizes them and kills them. In the short term, you can buy all these things commercially for release in your garden. In the long term, it is good to be growing flowers in your garden that attract beneficial insects. Insecticidal soap (Safer's or a homemade soapy water solution) and Neem oil work against them. You can also reduce the population, with just a strong blast of water.

Don't over-fertilize your plants (I don't fertilize indoor plants while they are indoors at all). Tender, juicy new growth is most attractive to juice sucking bugs like this and most vulnerable to their attack.

Let us know what you try and what works for you! :)

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ElizabethB
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Posts: 2105
Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:53 am
Location: Lafayette, LA

Thanks RBG,

Considering that I have lost numerous plants to the extreme heat and drought I do not want to lose any more to white flies and the resulting sooty mold. I did shoot the plants with a water blast. OMG! Amazing how many white flies fluttered around.

I will try Neem Oil.

Thank you so much for taking the time from your very busy moving schedule to reply to my post.

Hope all is well with you. Have you made your last trip? If not when?

I am SOOOO glad that you have had good experiences with "Southern Hospitality".

Welcome to the rural south. Prepare yourself to be loved to pieces.

Waiting to hear about your last trip.

Good luck!

:-()

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applestar
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Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 7:21 pm
Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)

Have you tried just vacuuming them?
Hold the suction wand at the ready, already on, a little way away, then use a stick or something to disturb and make them fly up.

"NOOOO CAPES!" --- Edna Mode, The Incredibles :lol:
[youtudotbe]https://youtu.be/M68ndaZSKa8[/youtudotbe]



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