How to prevent a whitefly infestation

Green-fingered Brits are being warned their plants may be infested with pesky whiteflies.

The team at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have identified ways to reduce the chance of plants being attacked by the bugs.

The experts are also sharing easy ways for gardeners to get rid of the summer pests.

Whiteflies are winged, soft-bodied bugs which can be found in clusters on the underside of leaves.

They can be tiny, are active during the day and if you disturb them, will fly away.

Whiteflies are active year-round, but they thrive in warm conditions, so now is the time to put prevention methods in place.

A spokesperson from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “Planting your perfect garden only to see it infested with pesky bugs is not ideal.

“It is so important to take preventative measures so you reduce the chance of your favourite plants being infested with bugs like whiteflies. They suck all of the energy out of plants, leaving them wilted and diseased.

“Really simple hacks like avoiding attractive host plants, spraying whitefly eggs away with water and keeping new plants away from old ones to reduce the risk of infestation can all help towards keeping your garden thriving.’

Here are ways to keep whiteflies at bay, from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk: 

1. Signs of infestation

Check your plants for a white, waxy substance saturating the leaves. The whiteflies suck juices and cause leaf damage. They also cause indirect damage, caused by transferring diseases to the plant. Other signs of infestation may be yellowing leaves and stunted plant growth.

2. Avoid attractive host plants 

Hibiscus, varieties of citrus, birds of paradise and orchid trees are all attractive to whiteflies. Avoid planting these in your garden. If you already have these in your garden,  closely monitor them to detect early signs of infestations.

3. Keep new plants safe

To prevent further infestations, keep any new plants away from your existing ones for a few weeks. Keeping your plants strong and healthy through regular pruning, feeding and proper care can keep the chance of infestations to a minimum.

4. Spray with water 

By gently spraying plants with water, you can dislodge whitefly eggs. Once removed from their food source, the whiteflies will die.

5. Go organic

Whiteflies are resistant to most commonly used pesticides. Organic pesticides like neem oil are one of the most effective ways to rid whiteflies from your garden.

6. Repel whiteflies

You can use yellow sticky traps for both indoor and outdoor infestations. The bugs are attracted to the yellow colour and get stuck to the glue-like substance.