What are the tiny white flies in my garden? Horticultural experts explain why sudden swarms occur – and how to get rid of them
If you've noticed small white flies on your plants, you're not alone
When you've worked hard in the garden to grow your own veggies and flourishing plants, the last thing you want to see is them being overtaken by invasive pests.
If you've been sorting out the garden recently, you may have come across some strange-looking white flies taking up residence on your plants, especially your veggies. And if you're a beginner vegetable gardener, this discovery might be causing confusion.
These small moth-like pests aren't uncommon in the garden and can cause damage, so it's best to know how to deal with them before a large infestation takes over. To help, we've consulted our team of gardening experts for advice on how to spot and get rid of whiteflies.
What are the tiny white flies appearing in the garden?
While watering your garden plants and checking up on your edible crops, you may have noticed some unusual visitors on your plants' leaves.
"They’re most likely whiteflies, which usually gather on the undersides of leaves. If you brush past a plant and a little cloud of white insects lifts into the air, then that definitely confirms it," explains Dr Russell Sharp, Founder of Eutrema.
"They’re not really flies in the usual sense and are more closely related to aphids and scale insects. Both the adults and their young feed by sucking sap from the plant, so a heavy infestation can leave leaves looking pale," he points out.
"And you may also notice sticky residue on the foliage because whiteflies produce honeydew as they feed, and that can then encourage black mould to grow on the surface," adds Dr Russell.
It's worth mentioning that whiteflies are also a common houseplant pest, so ensure you check your indoor plants for signs too.
Dr Russell is an innovator, best known for developing the range of plant care products offered by his company, Eutrema.
Whiteflies are tiny little moth-like creatures
How can I get rid of a whitefly infestation in my garden?
Getting rid of small pests like these can be tricky, but similarly to how you can prepare your garden for aphids, there are several effective solutions that won't harm your plants.
"Whiteflies multiply quickly, so the first thing you should do is check the undersides of leaves regularly and remove any that are covered in eggs," says Dr Russell.
"You can use a strong (but controlled) spray of water to knock any flies off the plant, which can work for the sturdier vegetables and ornamentals, then repeat that every few days," he continues.
"Yellow sticky traps can help catch some of the flying adults, especially in a greenhouse, but they won’t deal with the eggs and young already attached to the leaves," admits Dr Russell.
You might've used yellow sticky traps inside your home to get rid of flies, and it is worth mentioning that they're not always the most humane way of dealing with a pest problem.
Does washing-up liquid get rid of whiteflies?
When it comes to garden pest control, there are lots of natural solutions out there, from homemade garlic spray to even using wooden fire ash as a deterrent.
"This is one of those gardening hacks that gets passed around online, but I'd leave the washing-up liquid in the kitchen," says Tessa Cobley, plant pest expert and owner of Ladybird Plantcare.
"Washing-up liquid can affect soft-bodied insects because detergents can disrupt their protective outer layer, so it's easy to see why the idea has become popular. The problem is that household washing-up liquids aren't formulated or tested for use on plants, and the wrong concentration can damage foliage or cause scorch," she adds.
"The important thing is not to assume that something is plant-safe just because it's a popular DIY gardening hack. If you're going to spray something onto your plants, use a product that's designed for the job and follow the instructions carefully," Tessa explains.
In the same way, having essential garden tools helps you do your gardening jobs properly; using the right pest control solution ensures the problem is effectively dealt with.
Why do whiteflies appear in the garden?
If you have discovered a whitefly problem, don't panic; that doesn't mean your gardening skills are sub-par or that you've forgotten to protect your plants properly.
"Whiteflies aren't a sign that you've done something wrong. They're simply insects that have found plants they can feed on," starts Tessa.
"Different species have different host plants, so you may notice them appearing around particular plants rather than throughout the whole garden. Warm conditions can encourage some species, particularly glasshouse whitefly, to reproduce quickly, which is why numbers can suddenly seem to explode," she says.
"A healthy garden will naturally have some pests. The important thing is to keep an eye on what's happening and step in if a population starts to cause a problem. Encouraging natural predators, growing a good variety of plants and checking foliage regularly can all help keep things balanced," Tessa continues.
This is especially important if you take a rewilding approach to your garden, staying away from insecticides and harsh chemicals.
While you're out checking for whiteflies, make sure you're also giving your box hedges a once-over for any signs of webbing. The chances are it's not the spiders that have started destroying your hedges, but the box caterpillar.
