Tiny white flying bugs on outdoor plants can be one of several types of pests. Depending on the type, the infestation may cause varying amounts of damage to your plants. Common types of pests that cause white flying bugs include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and mealybugs.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, black, and red. They feed on plant sap with their piercing and sucking mouthparts and can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth. Additionally, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that can lead to sooty mold growth on the leaves.
Thrips are very small (less than 1/25th inch long) insects that feed by scraping away at the surface of the leaves. They are usually yellow or black in color but can also be brown or pale gray. Thrips may cause yellow or brown spots or streaks on the leaves as well as distorted growth.
Whiteflies are small white moths about 1/16th inch long that fly around when disturbed. They feed by sucking plant juices from the underside of leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting of foliage, as well as stunted growth.
Mealybugs are tiny white bugs covered in a waxy coating that look like cottony masses on stems and undersides of leaves. They feed by sucking sap out of plants and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew which attracts ants and can lead to sooty mold growth.
Conclusion:
Identifying what type of tiny white flying bugs is present on your outdoor plants is important for determining how to best eliminate them from your garden or landscape. Treating an infestation early is important for preventing further damage to your plants caused by these pests. With proper identification and treatment, you can effectively get rid of these unwelcome visitors from your outdoor plants!
