I have a terrible case of whiteflies on my hibiscus. Anybody know of an environment friendly treatment?

Neem oil.
Guaranteed to work.

I'll try it! I've been washing them off for weeks and today there was more than ever. will the neem work on the ones in the soil?

Probably not. You have to apply it every 5 days for 3 applications. It inhibits reproduction. I use it mostly for mealy bugs and it zaps them nicely. Whiteflies too.
Stinks to high heaven though...rotten onions and sulphur...but safe to use around pets and kids.

yeah!

Another forum for me to spend all of my time in...

HAHA....

for your whiteflies you can use this recipe. It is the best for a "sufficant" you can use for aphids, soft scale, whiteflies. The whiteflies it doesn't get have a short life span, but spraying the backs of the leaves you have smothered the eggs. In short time there won't be any....I woulddo it every 2 days for a while until you don't see them.

Trish...what kind of a puppy is that?

Silly me...forgot the recipe:

In a jar mix 1cup of water, 2 tablespoons of a detergent (Not JOY) and 1/2 tablespoon of salad oil. Shake it up and ad 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. I always let it sit for a little while and then rinse it off if the plants are delicate.

That dish detergent formula is great. An elderly neighbor of my moms years ago gave me that tip. The vegetable oil helps it adhere to the foliage and the detergent smothers the little buggers! I put it in a spray bottle and as Carol stated, after applying let the plant sit about a half hour or so and then rinse the foliage with clear water.

Thanks!!! I can do that recipe!!

Carol- he's an English Shepherd. Some know the breed as a Farm Collie. Very old breed, but not an AKC. He's our little Duke

OH YES!!! I met one at a "doggie obedience class" in New Zealand...so cool! Terrific presence (no spellcheck yet?) and poise! Wonderful movement - clever by half!!! Yup...shure iza cutie...