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How to Prevent White Flies

White flies are small, sap-sucking insects that are attracted to vegetable and ornamental plants. They like to congregate in groups on the bottom of leaves and feed on the sap of leaf and stem tissue. They secrete sticky honey dew that causes yellowing or death of leaves. White flies thrive in warm weather and can reproduce causing an infestation in your garden rather quickly. There are several ways to prevent white flies from infesting your garden.

Things You'll Need

Natural predators
Marigolds
Plastic bag
Spray bottle
1 tbsp. dish soap

Instructions

- 1
  Introduce natural insect predators, such as ladybugs, into your garden. These natural predators feed on white flies and other garden pests. You can purchase them from your local home and garden center.
- 2
  Plant some marigolds around the perimeter of your garden. They excrete a strong smell pleasant to humans. but are repulsive to white flies.
- 3
  Remove any damaged or heavily infested leaves by hand. Discard the leaves in a plastic bag and place in an outside trash container.
- 4
  Make a homemade insecticidal spray to prevent white flies from feeding on your plants. Fill a spray bottle with water, and add 1 tbsp. dish soap. Mix well and spray your plants, paying special attention to the underside of leaves where white flies like to lay their eggs.
- 5
  Spray your vegetable and ornamental plants with the homemade insecticidal solution every few days to keep white flies away.

Insects & Science