QuestionIt seems my yard could be a research site for a white fly study. To control all three types I am given a $2500 yearly estimate from my pest people. That is not possible for me.I am washing off underneath the fronds and leaves and spraying off almost all of the plants in my yard daily which is keeping my plants from turning black and keeping a huge percent of the flying flies not swarming. However, my pond is so clogged with residue and dead insects that it is hopelessly murky. Who can help?
AnswerI would do a two staged treatment--First spray the trees and bushes with an insecticide called Orthene. This will control the adults present now. And then Apply an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Scrub Insect Control around the roots of the trees. The roots will take the insecticide up into the foliage and when the whitefly feeds they will be killed. This soil applied product will protect the tree for 12 months. Both of these products can be found at your local garden type store. You will need a sprayer of some type to apply the Orthene--a 2 gal pump up sprayer works well for smaller jobs and a sprayer that fasten to the hose will work for larger job. This can be done by the homeowner and you will have only the cost of the insecticide and the sprayer. Here is a web link to the Bayer product. http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect
IF you are unsure contact the local office of the State Forestry Service OR the Coop. Extension Service and they can assist you.