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How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines


Bayberry whitefly with eggs.

Citrus

Whiteflies

Scientific Names:
Woolly whitefly: Aleurothrixus floccosus
Citrus whitefly: Dialeurodes citri
Bayberry whitefly: Parabemisia myricae
Ash whitefly: Siphoninus phillyreae

(Reviewed 7/03, updated 7/03)

In this Guideline:


DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS
Whiteflies are tiny, flying insects that derive their name from the mealy white wax covering their wings and body. While adult whiteflies are similar in appearance, the immature stages are more distinctive. The pupa and other immature stages of the woolly whitefly are covered with curly, waxy filaments; pupa of the bayberry whitefly have a clear wax fringe around its body margin; and pupae of the citrus whitefly have a distinctive Y-shape on their back.

DAMAGE
Whiteflies suck phloem sap, causing leaves to wilt and drop when populations are large. Honeydew excreted by nymphs collects dust and supports the growth of sooty mold; large infestations blacken entire trees as well as attract ants, which interfere with the biological control of whiteflies and other pests.

MANAGEMENT
Chemical treatment of whiteflies is not effective; temporary suppression may be achieved only to be followed by a resurgence of the pest. If ants are present, control them to enhance biological control of the whitefly.

Biological Control
Several natural enemies attack the immature stages of whiteflies and provide partial to complete biological control when undisturbed by ants, dust, or insecticide treatment. Conserve natural enemies by applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for orangeworms and sabadilla for citrus thrips if monitoring indicates a need to control these pests.

Cultural Control
Control dust and alternate row prune to provide refuge for parasites.

PUBLICATION

[UC Peer Reviewed]

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Citrus
UC ANR Publication 3441
Insects, Mites, and Snails
E. E. Grafton-Cardwell, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. G. Morse, Entomology, UC Riverside
N. V. O’Connell, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare Co.
P. A. Phillips, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, Ventura Co.
C. E. Kallsen, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
D. R. Haviland, UC Cooperative Extension, Kern Co.
Acknowledgments for contributions to the insect, mite, and snail section:
J. Barcinas, E. S. I., Corona, CA
R. Dunn, Badger Farming Co., Exeter, CA
J. Gorden, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
H. Griffiths, E. S. I., Corona, CA
D. Machlitt, Consulting Entomology Services, Moorpark, CA
C. Musgrove, retired entomologist, Riverside, CA
K. Olsen, S & J Ranch, Pinedale, CA
T. Roberts, E. S. I., Corona, CA
J. Stewart, Pest Management Associates, Exeter, CA
P. Washburn, Washburn & Sons Citrus Pest Control, Riverside, CA

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Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
All contents copyright © 2004 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /PMG/r107300711.html revised: July 12, 2004. Contact webmaster.