Need help with an unknown pest

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Dragunov79 South Florida, FL(Zone 10b) Jul 07, 2013

I'm sort of new to the gardening scene, but i'm really getting into it and excited about my new hobby.... I've lost some good plants to a battle with whiteflies (big problem in South Florida). Before I figured out what they were and how to control them they killed most of my vegetables, but it seems I'm gaining ground as of late thanks to NEEM Oil. Anyway, I've noticed that some of my plants have white lines winding through the leaves now. I don't know what this is from. I'm sure it's some type of bug, but I dont think it's the whiteflies. Nothing I have tried seems to prevent these lines and now they are showing up on my seedlings! Can anyone help me with this? Also, if anyone has any tips for controlling whiteflies I would really be grateful. Are there any natural remedies that will keep them away? I hate chemicals and would love to stay natural. Thanks to anyone who can help.

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nutsaboutnature Algonquin, IL(Zone 5a) Jul 08, 2013

It sounds like Leaf Minors.
The larvae gets inside the leaves and tunnels through. Supposedly Neem oil helps, as do some native parasitic wasps.

There are various methods, but one of the best is to remove the affected leaves and get rid of them. By removing the leaves you get rid of some of the pests so they won't lay more eggs. Obviously that's hard to do on a seedling, though.

I get them on my Aquilegia (Columbine), but have not noticed them anywhere else. They've never caused enough damage to kill the plant, but seedlings are more susceptible.

Here's a link that gives you some basic info (BugFiles didn't have much). There is a ton of info on the web.

http://gardening.about.com/od/insectpestid/qt/Leafminer.htm

My suggestion would be to post your question in the Insect Identification Forum and to also ask for suggestions for getting rid of them. There are some very knowledgeable members that keep an eye on that forum. This really isn't the best place to post your question.




Post #9591443
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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jul 08, 2013

There are many species of leaf miners. Some specialize in a single genus or group of closely related plants. Others attack almost anything. They rarely do so much damage that the plant dies, but it can weaken the plant, and is unsightly.

Since they are inside the leaf there is no way to kill them at that stage. Removing the leaf and destroying it is about the only way. If you can stop the female from laying the eggs that is the best.

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