How to Get Rid of Whiteflies on Balsam Plant

Whiteflies are a common garden pest that can quickly infest and damage balsam plants. These small winged insects feed on the undersides of leaves, sucking out plant sap. An infestation can stunt plant growth cause yellowing or wilting of leaves, and even kill the plant. Balsam plants are especially prone to whiteflies because of their soft, tender foliage. If you’ve noticed signs of whiteflies on your balsam plants, taking action to get rid of them is important. The good news is there are several effective methods to eliminate whiteflies from balsam plants and keep them away.

Identifying Whiteflies on Balsam Plants

The first step is learning how to identify whiteflies on your balsam plants. Adult whiteflies are very small, about 1/16 inch long, with powdery white wings and yellowish bodies. They tend to congregate on the undersides of leaves, where they lay tiny oval eggs. The eggs hatch into nymphs that are flat, scale-like, and immobile. Whitefly nymphs are often mistaken for fungus or powdery mildew.

Check the undersides of balsam plant leaves for whiteflies in all life stages. Adults will fly up in a cloud when the plant is disturbed. Large populations cause yellow stippling on leaves as the insects feed and leaves may be sticky with honeydew secretions. Heavy infestations can seriously stress and even kill plants. Acting quickly when whiteflies first appear gives the best chance of eradication.

Removing Whiteflies with Water

A forceful stream of water can help dislodge and eliminate adult whiteflies and exposed nymphs. Take the plant to a sink or outside and spray the stems and undersides of all leaves with a strong jet setting on your garden hose. The water will knock off many of the insects. Check closely and repeat as needed until you’ve removed all visible whiteflies. This is most effective for smaller balsam plants.

Applying Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap sprays are safe and effective against whiteflies. The soap disrupts the waxy coating on insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Mix a few drops of liquid Castile or other plant-based soap into a spray bottle filled with water. Thoroughly coat the undersides of leaves, as well as stems and tops of leaves, to kill all life stages of whiteflies. Apply weekly until the infestation clears. Insecticidal soap works best on smaller populations.

Using Neem Oil

Extracted from the neem tree, neem oil is a natural pesticide that kills whiteflies through contact and ingestion. It is safe for people, pets, and plants when diluted and used as directed. To make a neem oil spray, mix a few teaspoons of concentrate into a quart of water with a small amount of mild soap. Add a pinch of baking soda to counteract the oil’s acidity. Spray leaf undersides and stems of balsam plants until completely coated. The oil’s residual activity continues working for up to a week.

Releasing Beneficial Insects

Natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and tiny parasitoid wasps will feed on whiteflies and can keep infestations under control. Attract beneficial insects to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers. You can also purchase live ladybugs, lacewing eggs, or parasitoid wasps to release onto affected balsam plants. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil first to eliminate some whiteflies so the beneficials can get established. Their larvae will then continue preying on whitefly nymphs.

Applying Sticky Traps

Yellow sticky traps draw adult whiteflies away from plants and hold them so they die. The traps won’t fully eliminate an infestation but help monitor and reduce numbers. For balsam plants, use small 2×3 inch traps positioned near infested leaves. Check the traps weekly and replace them monthly to gauge the size of the whitefly population. Sticky traps work best along with other control methods.

Using Reflective Mulch

Spreading reflective silver mulch around potted balsam plants can deter whiteflies from landing and laying eggs. The mirrored surface confuses them, making plants less appealing for infestation. Combine mulch with other techniques for most effective protection. For garden plantings, consider installing reflective material on stakes or frames around balsam plants.

Applying Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is an abrasive dust that damages whiteflies’ exoskeletons and causes dehydration. Sprinkle a fine layer over leaf tops and undersides, avoiding blooms and new growth. Reapply after rain or watering. Wear a dust mask when applying to prevent inhalation. Be aware that diatomaceous earth also kills beneficial insects and should be used judiciously.

Removing Heavily Infested Leaves

Prune off and destroy any leaves that are heavily infested with whitefly nymphs. This will eliminate those developing insects and prevent them from spreading. Prune back balsam plants by one-third to one-half if needed to get rid of seriously damaged foliage. Avoid removing too much growth to prevent stressing the plant further. Destroy all pruned trimmings immediately.

Using Row Covers

Installing floating row covers over balsam plants can create a physical barrier to prevent adult whiteflies from reaching the plants. Use the fabric early in the season before whiteflies are active. Secure the edges well with soil, boards, or pipes to keep it from blowing away. Remove row covers to allow pollination if balsam plants flower.

Maintaining Plant Health

Healthy, vigorous balsam plants are less vulnerable to whiteflies than stressed, neglected ones. Water plants deeply and regularly, fertilize monthly, and prune away dead wood and leaves. These best practices will encourage lush, robust growth that deters and survives minor whitefly damage better.

##Treating Underlying Causes

Consider environmental or cultural factors that may be contributing to whitefly problems. Excess nitrogen fertilization and crowded, overgrown plants can make balsams more inviting to pests. Hot, dry conditions also encourage whiteflies. Adjust practices to create less favorable conditions.

Avoiding Chemical Pesticides

It’s best to avoid chemical pesticide sprays for whitefly control. They often kill beneficial and pollinating insects too. Overuse promotes resistance in whitefly populations while disrupting the natural biological controls. Reserve pesticides for absolute emergencies, not routine maintenance.

Eliminating whiteflies as soon as infestations appear gives the best chance of protecting balsam plants. Combining multiple organic and natural control methods is more effective and sustainable than relying on any single treatment. With persistence and vigilance, you can successfully get rid of whiteflies and keep your balsam plants lush and healthy all season long.