The summer is winding down, but many warm-weather pests, like whiteflies are still going strong. Whiteflies are tiny white insects commonly found in vegetable garden and landscape plantings in large numbers. Often they fly around plants when disturbed, which is when people first notice them.

Despite their name, whiteflies are not true flies but are actually related to aphids, scales and mealybugs. Like these insects, whiteflies cause damage when they suck plant juices from leaves, which yellow or die off. Whiteflies excrete excess liquid called honeydew that is sticky, and may be covered with black sooty mold. The honeydew also attracts ants, which disrupt naturally-occurring