Insect Identification

Whiteflies

Whiteflies resemble tiny, white moths. The oval-shaped insects have two pairs of wings coated with a waxy powder. After hatching, whiteflies larvae are mobile with six legs. But after a few days, they molt and develop into rounder, thinner sedentary larva that resemble scales.

Whiteflies feed primarily on the underside of leaves with their piercing mouths, stunting plant growth. They also cause plants to become sticky and discolored. Whiteflies reproduce rapidly - creating vast populations. Infestations are first localized, then expanded to larger areas. Whitefly eggs, which change from yellow to gray, are located on the underside of leaves. The eggs appear cone-shaped and hatch within two days.

Whiteflies plague a wide range of crops, including bedding and garden plants, potted plants and cut flowers.

Most insecticides target whiteflies in the adult stage of their development. Since insects are never all in the same stage of growth at the same time most control programs are not effective. As an insect growth regulator, Enstar® II controls whiteflies at all four stages of growth and prevents the insect from progressing to the next stage of its life cycle.

To control whiteflies with Enstar® II alone and to prevent populations from reaching damaging levels, one 5-ounce bottle of Enstar® II per 100 gallons of water should be applied every two weeks. To control existing populations, two 5-ounce bottles of Enstar® II per 100 gallons of water should be applied every seven days.

Applied to the underside of leaves, Mavrik Aquaflow® provides immediate control of adult and nymph whiteflies. For broad spectrum control with Mavrik Aquaflow®, use eight ounces per 100 gallons of water to treat 20,000 square feet every seven days until insects are controlled. Once whiteflies are under control, a preventative program will keep damaging populations from developing.

The combination of Enstar® II teamed with Mavrik Aquaflow® is an unbeatable, cost effective program.