Florida's warm climate is a paradise for pests too. Whiteflies and aphids are among the most common and frustrating garden problems in South Florida — here is how to beat them organically.
Identifying Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny (1–2mm) white moth-like insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves. When you disturb an infested plant, a cloud of white flies erupts. They feed by sucking plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Identifying Aphids
Aphids are tiny pear-shaped insects in green, black, yellow or brown. They cluster on new growth — tender stem tips, flower buds and undersides of young leaves. Heavy infestations cause distorted, curled new growth.
Organic Control Methods
Neem Oil Spray: Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray on all leaf surfaces, especially undersides. Repeat every 7–10 days.
Insecticidal Soap: 2 teaspoons of pure castile soap per quart of water kills soft-bodied insects on contact. Coverage is key — it does not work as a residual spray.
Strong Water Spray: A blast from your garden hose knocks aphids off plants effectively. Repeat daily for a week for light infestations.
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