What Causes White Flies on Outdoor Plants?

Whiteflies are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to outdoor plants. Despite their name, whiteflies come in many colors and sizes.

They feed on the leaves and stems of plants, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunting of growth. Whiteflies are especially destructive to vegetable gardens, as they can transmit plant diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus.

Whiteflies are attracted to a variety of climates and conditions. They thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of sunlight.

They’re also attracted to certain scents like those given off by some flowering plants. Additionally, whiteflies can be found near compost piles and other organic matter that provides the insects with a food source.

Whiteflies reproduce quickly and their numbers can grow rapidly when conditions are ideal. The female whitefly lays up to 200 eggs on the underside of leaves over the course of her lifetime.

The eggs hatch within one week and the larvae begin feeding immediately. After two weeks of feeding, the larvae form pupae that eventually become adults.

Whitefly infestations can be prevented by keeping outdoor plants healthy and strong. Regular pruning helps reduce the number of available egg-laying sites for female whiteflies. Planting companion flowers or herbs around vegetable gardens may also help keep whiteflies away since they prefer certain scents over others.

Conclusion:

White flies on outdoor plants is caused by warm temperatures combined with high humidity and plenty of sunlight which attract the insects to lay their eggs on leaves or stems of plants. To prevent an infestation it is important to keep plants healthy by regular pruning as well as planting companion flowers or herbs around vegetable gardens since white flies prefer certain scents over others.

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Chris Powell