Fight Fire with Fire: Whitefly Pest Control in Maui Uses Predator Bugs

by | Oct 15, 2015 | Landscaping

The whitefly may appear harmless. It is a sap-sucking bug that likes to hang out at the bottom of large leaves and lay large numbers of eggs. On the surface, they may seem just as annoying as any regular non-seasonal bug. They are quite clear, with a yellow coloration. In the air, they are borderline invisible. They are hard to spot, and it may take months for them to become noticeable. At this point, they have created a mini-plague on the property. They appear marginally harmless and like a friend of the non-invasive fruit fly. But, after a closer inspection, whiteflies are a major threat.

Pest Control in Maui consists of a few different strategies. The most accessible and simplest are the sticky pads. These are placed throughout the landscape, often upon tree surfaces or the side of the home. The whiteflies are attracted to the scent. This is only effective for small populations. Pest control experts may actually add predatory insects to the population. They may release a very small population of ladybugs and lacewing larvae to the property. In small numbers, these bugs can change the tide and re-balance the ecosystem of the area.

The task of ridding of whiteflies becomes more delicate with large populations. Experts will use organic pesticides that are as least toxic as possible. The pesticide is short-lived, so it has to be used regularly. Using a strong “dosage” in a large volume could affect other creatures. It could also have adverse effects on people in the area, causing eye irritation and poorer breathing. This is why pest control for whiteflies is always done carefully and in moderation. In some ways, it is a battle of attrition.

Whiteflies are only getting worse. Pest Control in Maui goes after these extremely small and almost translucent bugs with a serious aggression. They are more than just a nuisance. Whiteflies carry a number of diseases and treating them may be a tiring process. Homeowners should not relax when tackling the nefarious onslaught of whiteflies that can destroy gardens, carry illnesses, and offset the entire healthy ecosystem in a landscape or even neighborhood.

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