What are these bugs on my hibiscus?

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LAS14 Albany, ME(Zone 4b) Mar 29, 2017

I thought for a while that these were mite nymphs(not sure about term here), but the mites that I had disappeared and these increased until they're covering all the leaves. They're so tiny it was hard to get a good picture.

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Mar 29, 2017

Whitefly.

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birder17 Jackson, MO(Zone 6b) Mar 29, 2017

So, what's the control?

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Mar 29, 2017

Narural options are ladybugs and lacewings or yellow sticky traps. Organic controls would be neem oil or insecticidal soap such as Safer. The last two also kill beneficials but with an infestation this big it's probably late for the natural route. Fast knockdown is best. I'd opt for neem and spray at dusk when fewer beneficials are flying.

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birder17 Jackson, MO(Zone 6b) Mar 31, 2017

Thanks. So, a hard spray of water like I do with Aphids wouldn't do it. Right?

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Apr 01, 2017

The eggs are stuck fast and at this point there's constant hatching.

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AZOrganicGarden Phoenix, AZ Apr 01, 2017

I have used Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap and it works extremely well on whitefly. Also, if you like Nasturtiums and the will grow in your climate, planting them nearby is an excellent whitefly and aphid control plan...they hate them! Plant from seed, though...they do not like to be transplanted but will sprout easily within a few days from seed. There are many pretty varieties to choose from...I recently ordered some different kinds from Eden Brothers Seed. Good luck!

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birder17 Jackson, MO(Zone 6b) Apr 02, 2017

Good to know about the Nasturtiums. I plant Nasturtiums every year--mostly the vining ones.

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LAS14 Albany, ME(Zone 4b) Apr 10, 2017

These are definitely not whiteflies. Unless, somehow, they're caught and killed at an intermediate stage. Yes, the plants are covered, but these are not flying. They look like they might have wings... But nothing is flying.

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MaypopLaurel Cleveland,GA/Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Apr 10, 2017

Only adults have wings in which case they generally go off to breed elsewhere while leaving the younger, wingless instars at various stages to feed on the plants. If there are mature whiteflies on the plant they fly off at any disturbance. Whiteflies are not true flies.

Edited to add it might be an aphid infestation. The same treatment applies.

This message was edited Apr 10, 2017 4:44 PM

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LAS14 Albany, ME(Zone 4b) May 16, 2017

I frequently get whiteflies, so I'm familiar with their look and behavior. These are indoor plants, so they don't fly away without being seen. Definitely not whiteflies.

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