Teeny White Flies on Gardenia - Knowledgebase Question

High Point, NC
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Question by doberacker
May 12, 2006
Why would an established Gardenia bush of probably 5+ years have teeny white flies on it. Can see them all over it. Zone 7 - High Point, NC


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Answer from NGA
May 12, 2006
Whiteflies can be a real challenge to eradicate, but there are a number of biological controls that you can try to get rid of white flies. Since you're dealing with an outdoor white fly problem, you might want to try releasing lacewings or minute pirate bugs, both available through garden centers. Other control methods include yellow sticky traps - basically cardboard painted bright yellow and coated with mineral oil or petroleum jelly, and suspended near the tops of plants. Insecticidal soaps work well against white flies, too. Just be sure to spray both top and undersides of leaves. Insecticidal soaps can cause burning of leaves if applied during hot weather, so use caution. Good luck in getting rid of those pesky pests!

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