Pest Control in Boone County | Whitefly (Updated 2025)

Infesting Whiteflies and Their Management

What are Whiteflies?

These are tiny, winged insects very closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are the most important of all plant-sucking pests. The adults suck sap from leaves, weakening the plants, and cause several diseases among them. These warm-weather pests flourish quickly within Boone County. Infestations typically occur in vegetable gardens, ornamental plants, and crops grown in greenhouses without applying treatments, causing frequent die-offs.

Common Whitefly Species in Boone County

1. Greenhouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)

• A very common species in Boone County, especially in greenhouses and indoor plants.
• Feed on tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
• Sooty mold growth was caused by honeydew excretion.

2. Silverleaf Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

• This is the major attacking insect that covers a wide range of plants like West Indian beans, several squashes, cotton, and numerous ornamentals as well. However, one of its significant features is that it is also one of the viral diseases smugglers, which contribute to a major agricultural loss.
• This species is a bit smaller and more yellowish than greenhouse whiteflies.

3. Bandedwinged Whitefly (Trialeurodes abutiloneus)

• Identified by a characteristic wing pattern.
• Specializes in ornamentals and weeds.
• Less common, but still an important pest in gardens in Boone County.

Symptoms that Associated with Whitefly Infestation

1. Cluster of Tiny White Insects under the Leaves

• Upon disturbance, the whiteflies take off in a great cloud.
• But, they almost invariably cover the undersides of leaves making them difficult to find.

2. Leaf Yellowing and Wilting

• Essential nutrients have been sucked out of the plants by whiteflies, resulting in yellow curling or even dried-out leaves.
• At higher infestation levels, a plant may be stunted and eventually die.

3. Sticky Honeydew Residues and Black Sooty Mold

• This sugary secretion of whiteflies is called honeydew, and it attracts ants under the plants, hence promoting sooty mold.
• The sooty mold seals out the light, throwing the plants into further weakness.

4. Reduced Growth and Poor Yield of Crop

• There was a lot of buzzing, therefore, reduced flowering and fruit set; and consequently lower overall health of the plant.
• Interestingly, whiteflies are also seedling viruses and cause even greater damage.

Whitefly Control and Prevention Measures Applicable in Boone County

1. Natural Predators and Biological Control

• Bring in ladybugs and their buddies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on specific whiteflies.
• Encourage birds and spiders in gardens; those are powerful natural enemies of whiteflies.

2. Neem Oil and Horticultural Oils

• Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on affected plants to interfere with lifecycle stages of whitefly.
• Ensure that the bottoms of the leaves are adequately covered for best effectiveness.

3. Yellow Sticky Traps

• Place yellow sticky traps around plants to help capture adult whiteflies and minimize their population.
• This is quite handy in pest monitoring and prevention of mass outbreak.

4. Pruning and Disposing

• Remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves or plants to prevent whiteflies from spreading.
• Burn or seal plant material in plastic bags before discarding to ensure no whiteflies escape.