How Can I Get Rid Of White Flies As Natural Methods Have Failed?

Question

I have small white flies in all of my vegetable plants especially squash but it spread to tomatoes, sweet potato leaves, and peppers. I have tried foil reflection around the base, dish soap, diatomaceous earth, neem oil and a combination. Nothing kills them permanently. Should I just destroy the plants? They are not growing anything as the flies suck out the juice from the leaves and the plants struggle. I was working organically but am willing to go to something’s else temporarily if needed.

Answer 1

This can be tricky. I like using natural methods like the concentrated active ingredient of Neem oil. Azadiractin is a lot more concentrated than the raw oil. Pure capsaicin from peppers serves the same purpose when concentrated.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/indoor-pesticides-for-edibles.htm

Microbial control is an option as well. Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus that is known to destroy whitefly populations. This is my favorite method.

Natural predators can be helpful. The green lacewing will hunt them, actively.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/green-lacewings-in-gardens.htm