They also may be washed off plants using water or soap and water solutions. Some plants may be sensitive to soap as well. The wings are held together over the abdomen. They resemble miniature cicadas. They inject a toxic substance into the plant that causes yellowing of plants.
All stages feed on potato, tomato, and related plants such as peppers.
The most prolific type of whitefly is the sweet potato whitefly. Other species found in Arizona are the ash whitefly and the greenhouse whitefly, which may require special controls. Although when the numbers are high in the fall sweet potato whiteflies appear to be on every single plant in the yard, they tend to feed and develop on a more limited number of plants. Hibiscus, lantana, and annual herbs and vegetables seem to be preferred hosts. Target control measures at these types of plants.