Whiteflies in Central Arkansas
The whitefly is a small, sap-sucking insect that flies around plants when they are disturbed. Although ‘fly’ is in their name, they are not true flies but are more closely related to aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Whiteflies received their name from their appearance, which is of a white wax covering the wings and body of the adults. These pests occur in plants grown in homes but are most commonly found on plants growing in greenhouses. At all stages of their life, the whiteflies will use their piercing-sucking mouths to feed on the sap of plants. When leaves become infested, the leaves may turn yellow and droop. This usually does not kill the plant but will reduce the vigor of the plant. You can tell if a plant is infested by clouds of winged adults flying in the air.
Whitefly Habitat
Whiteflies can develop rapidly in warm weather, and populations can build up quickly in situations where natural enemies are ineffective, and when weather and host plants favor outbreaks. Large colonies often develop on the undersides of leaves. Whiteflies suck plant juices and, in turn, produce a sticky substance known as honeydew. Honeydew left on its own can cause fungal diseases to form on leaves. Whiteflies breed all year round in warmer parts of the country, moving from one host to another as plants are harvested or dry up.
Whitefly Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
While whiteflies have piercing mouthparts used for extracting fluids from plants, they are not known for biting humans. The honeydew extracted from plants is what attracts the whiteflies, and the plant leaves may become sticky or develop black mold. The honeydew attracts ants, which interfere with the activities of natural enemies that may control whiteflies and other pests. All ages of whiteflies damage the plant through the sucking of juices from the new growth. While the sucking of juices doesn’t necessarily kill the plant, it can make the plant susceptible to disease due to its new weakness.
If you are dealing with a whitefly issue on your property, contact your local fly exterminators.
