For whiteflies, hang yellow traps coated with a sticky substance close to the tops of plants. Whiteflies are attracted to the color yellow, and once they land will be stuck and die. Hand-crush small populations of young aphids and whiteflies. Encourage natural enemies in the garden such as ladybugs and lacewings by planting diversity of plants and not spraying harsh chemicals. As a last resort, use low-toxic sprays such as insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, and neem to reduce populations before they get out of hand.
Repeat treatments every few days until the problem is under control.
Hose Tips Aphids can easily be removed from a plant by knocking them off with a stream of water from a hose. Once off, they tend not to climb back up to feed. Whiteflies are sluggish in early morning and evening, so to control small populations on houseplants, vacuum the leaves, sucking up the whiteflies, too. Copyright 2000, National Gardening Association. All rights reserved.