The whitefly
It is a very small flying insect with white, powdered wings, which at first glance can easily be confused with a moth and is also known as a "whitefly".
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The common moth emerges in the Potting soil usually not, as this soil mostly contains peat and moths do not like peat. However, if the potting soil contains compost, moths can occur. However, this is very rare, as all pests, their eggs and larvae are killed in the hot rotting process in the compost.
The white flies under the plant leaves, on and in the potting soil are therefore actually whiteflies. They feed on sap and can do a lot of damage. Clear signs of prolonged infestation are yellowish-brown areas on the leaves.
Fighting the whitefly
Instead of working with the chemical club, one should try to fight the vermin with natural means or home remedies.
The simplest option is to immerse the pots in a bucket full of water for 30 minutes. The animals drown and swim on the surface of the water, from where they can be easily poured off.
Repotting is also a great way to get rid of the pesky animals. However, care must be taken to ensure that the entire old earth, including that between the roots, is renewed.
Yellow panels attract the insect pests and they stick to the sticky surface.
Predators
Moth whale lice feel most comfortable where there are no predators. Those who pay attention to biodiversity in their garden offer a habitat for many beneficial insects, which then take care of the moth problem. Natural predators of the whitefly are:
- many species of spiders
- Ladybug
- Lacewing larvae
- Parasitic wasps
- Predatory bugs
Fight the whitefly with plants
If the animals appear in planters or in beds, certain plants can be cultivated between the flowers, which by their smell keep the moths away. Are suitable:
- Basil (a sprinkling of basil stock also helps)
- Firebush
- Nasturtiums
- thyme
- Zinnias
