Whiteflies

Whiteflies can become a real problem for plants in the homefarm. But don't worry, there are simple and effective measures for combating these pests.

How do I recognise whiteflies in my homefarm?

Whiteflies are actually a type of aphid and are easy to spot. They are found on the underside of the plants' leaves and fly up when you touch the plant. Another sign of their presence is speckled leaves, which then die off and drop.

There are several simple and effective methods for combating whiteflies in the homefarm. Here are a few tips:

• Yellow traps or stickers: you'll find these at the drugstore, for example. The traps or stickers attract the flies and combat them naturally.
• Spraying with soft soap: a mixture of 500 ml of water and 8 g of soft soap can help combat whiteflies. Simply spray the affected plant with the solution regularly.
• Cold: whiteflies don't tolerate cold. If possible you should therefore turn down the heating a little in the room where your homefarm hangs.
• Plants the flies don't like: basil, thyme, sage or mint can be placed next to the affected plants. Whiteflies don't like the smell of these plants.

Worth knowing: Since whiteflies lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves and not in the substrate, you don't have to replace the whole plant capsule straight away in the event of an infestation.

In summary, there are simple and effective methods for combating whiteflies in the homefarm. Whether you go the natural route with yellow traps or stickers or the artificial route by spraying with soft soap is up to you.