Whiteflies spend winters in weeds and ornamentals. Often sources of infestation are infected nursery stock brought in from an area where the whiteflies can easily overwinter. Whitefly adults can be easily carried about on wind currents, though most of their flying is done close to the ground. Control of whiteflies can be difficult and pesticides should be chosen with care. Use an integrated pest management program, combining cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods, for control.
Natural enemies play an important part in the control of the whitefly population.
Pesticides, used at the wrong time or improperly, kill the beneficial insects as well and allow for rapid redevelopment of whitefly populations. Carefully check all newly purchased plants before introducing them into your garden. Look closely at the under side of the leaves to make sure you are not bringing a problem into the garden. Destroy plants that are heavily infested before the whiteflies can spread. Remove them from the garden and do not compost them.