May 17, 2010
Whiteflies are tiny, sap-sucking insects that damage leaves of many plants. Their populations develop rapidly in warm weather and populations can build quickly when natural enemies are not present.
Whiteflies cause damage by sucking plant juices from leaves and excreting excess liquid as honeydew. The leaves of an affected plant can cause leaves to turn yellow, appear dry, or fall off the plant. The honeydew attracts ants that interfere with the activity of natural enemies.
To find out more about whiteflies in your home garden, including ways to manage them, please see our UC IPM Whiteflies pest note.
To manage them in the field, please see UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines.