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Solutions to Common Pests
Giant
White Fly
Most of us have seen white flies flying about and have
discovered their fine, white spun nests on the undersides
of leaves. This is a common pest that has infested our
landscapes over the last few years.
The white fly itself does not do much damage to
plants, but its nest of sticky webbing is unsightly and a
mess to deal with. Adult white flies live and lay their
eggs in these nests, and it is there that the young
develop. The nesting material serves as food for the
young to feed on, and it also forms an excellent barrier
against outside predators, including humans. If you touch
a white fly nest you'll find that it is very sticky and
very hard to remove, and this is one of the reasons why
white flies are so hard to eliminate.
Solution
The simplest solution of all is plain, soapy water! Use a
hose end sprayer (available from Home Depot, or just
about any landscape supplies vendor) and fill it with a
solution of water and kitchen soap, any kind will do.
Spray this soapy solution on the undersides of plant
leaves with enough force to completely remove the nests
from the plant. Use a sponge or rag soaked in the soapy
solution if the spray itself does not dislodge the nests.
Repeat on a weekly basis until you have eliminated the
pest, and periodically to avoid re-infestation. And, get
your neighbors to do likewise!
This method of pest control also works on aphids,
mealy bug, and other garden pests.
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Holmes Landscape Company
934 La Rueda Road, Vista, CA 92084-6518
760.732.3379 760.598.3500 Fax
holmes@holmeslandscape.com
"Always looking to improve ourselves, our workers, and the quality of our work."
©1996-2008 Holmes Landscape Company. All rights reserved.
Web site by JE Web Design.
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