Hibiscus Infested with Whiteflies
I moved my hibiscus in for the winter and discovered it is covered with white flies. Where did they come from and how can I get rid of them?
Whiteflies often catch a ride into the house or garden on new plants. Fortunately outdoor plants usually tolerate their feeding and these pests will die during cold northern winter. The problem occurs when the whiteflies move indoors. Their feeding can further weaken our already stressed houseplants. Try placing yellow sticky traps in or near the infested plants. Trapping will often reduce the population enough to keep the insect damage to a tolerable level. If the plants are suffering you may want to use an insecticide. You will need three applications applied five days apart. Start with insecticidal soap or Neem. These are more environmentally friendly chemicals that may provide relief. Resmethrin and permethrin have proved effective against whiteflies. Be sure to spray the plants in an area with good air circulation. And as always be sure to read and follow all label directions carefully.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds:
A Gardener’s Perspective
Glendale, WI
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024
New Richmond, WI
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
May 11, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 12, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 1, 2024
Selecting, Planting, Pruning and Caring for Hydrangeas
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 5, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Under-Appreciated Pollinators
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More