Persistent white flies on hibiscus

Please help. They have covered my 10 foot extablished bush. Have tried detergent spray as well as a recommended pest control product. Any other ideas? Don't want to take it out as my gardener suggest.

First you might want to try spraying with water with soap and horticultural oil. You may have already done that but you may not have sprayed a large enough area. There could very well be another plant in the same general area that is also hosting the whiteflies. I would spray a pretty large area just in case they are present on some other plant in the area. If that doesn't work you might want to try using a systemic pesticide containing the ingredient "imidacloprid". One that I have used is Bayer Tree & Shrub Insect Control. It's a product that is applied into the soil around the roots of the plant and is not sprayed on the plant. The pesticide is then absorbed by the plant. If you have a severe infestation you may need to reapply it again in 2-3 months. Normally you would use this product every 6 or so months just as a preventative measure. Hope this info is helpful.
Jon

Jon,
Thanks so much for your response. There is severe infestation and we tried the Bayer product about a month ago. So, I'm thinking we should try it again right now instead of waiting 2 months. Sort of sounds like you may have had this problem also. Will keep trying.
Pat

Which Bayer did you use? I believe the product Jon is referring to is labeled for once a year application and it is really important to always follow the label.

Another simple remedy that has worked repeatedly for me is to simply put a heavy layer of worm casting under the plant. I put it down at least an inch thick and completly cover everything under the drip line. Not sure if it is true but supposedly the white flies do not like the "flavor".

I also learned yesterday that you can use a spray like Pam on your plants. Repeated sprays to kill off the successive generations of white flies would be necessary just as if you were using a horticultural oil. It is also important to cover every stem and leaf, top and bottom. I wouldn't spray any oil in the heat of hts day or when the weather is unusually hot.

good luck.

Hi Pat

Yes, I have to battle whiteflies here in South Florida several times a year, but it's mostly with potted plants inside the screening around the pool. Perhaps the screening helps them survive in this area. When it rains the screening prevents the rain from falling heavily onto the plants. There are several different Bayer products and I have been using Bayer 3 In 1 Insect Killer, which is different than Bayer Tree & Shrub Insect Control. Bayer 3 In 1 is sprayed on the plants and seems to be more of a short term control method. I haven't tried Bayer Tree & Shrub Insect Killer, but have been seriously thinking about it as a more longterm approach to the problem.
I can see why you would have whitefly problems in your area. I believe Gold Camp, AZ is in the Arizona Desert and is very very dry the majority of the year. I can't think of anything further to recommend other than making sure you are treating everything in the area with the problem.

Sorry Jon, I assumed you had been using the long term product. I tried the all in one once and did not have good luck but the professionals tell me the 12 month works unusually well and is safer for the environment. Not really sure about that but .......

I think I should have been using/trying the longterm product. I now have some in the garage but am waiting a little while longer. I just sprayed with the Bayer 3 In 1 about 3 weeks ago and don't want to overdo it in the summer.

That is correct. Those products leave a residual chemical in the soil and too much could have disasterous results.

Sounds strange but I wich I had bugs instead of deer. LOL

Very very true. There are tons of insects here but there are no animals that you have to deal with.