As a self-proclaimed houseplant lover, I’ve certainly had my fair share of pest problems and over time have figured out how to tackle them head-on. Whiteflies are one of those pests that leave you confused over how they came into your home in the first place because they’re more commonly found among garden plants.

Those with a vegetable garden in their yard will likely have had to get rid of whiteflies at some point, with edible crops being a common target. However, they aren’t fussy and will take up residence among ornamental plants, too. They often make their way indoors when you bring infested plants inside, or they enter through a window. Once they stumble across your houseplant collection, they can cause some significant damage. ‘Whiteflies damage plants by piercing their leaves and stems and sucking sap from them. The leaves may turn yellow, wilt, or drop off prematurely. They may also develop discolored patches or appear dry, and the growth of the plant may become stunted or slow down,’ says Mark Cleghorn, an entomologist from Arrow Exterminators.

A noticeable sign that you have a houseplant whitefly problem is discolored foliage that appears grainy and is infested with little white bugs. You can also spot the larvae as tiny white ovals on the underside of leaves. But don’t worry, I’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide that will help you get rid of whiteflies on houseplants for good.

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5 steps to get rid of whiteflies on houseplants


Being a self-proclaimed houseplant enthusiast, I have encountered my fair share of pest issues and have learned how to address them effectively. Whiteflies are one of those pests that can be puzzling, as they are more commonly found among garden plants rather than indoor houseplants.

If you have a vegetable garden, you may have had to deal with whiteflies at some point, especially if they target edible crops. However, whiteflies are not picky and can infest ornamental plants as well. They often find their way indoors by hitching a ride on infested plants or entering through open windows. Once they find your houseplant collection, they can cause significant damage. According to entomologist Mark Cleghorn from Arrow Exterminators, whiteflies damage plants by sucking sap from leaves and stems, causing leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or drop prematurely. They may also create discolored patches, dry spots, and stunted growth in plants.

If you notice discolored, grainy foliage infested with small white bugs on your houseplants, you likely have a whitefly problem. You may also spot tiny white ovals, which are the larvae, on the underside of leaves. Fortunately, I have put together a simple guide to help you eliminate whiteflies from your houseplants for good.

(Image credit: Tomasz Klejdysz via Getty Images)

5 steps to get rid of whiteflies on houseplants

It is best to address a common houseplant pest problem as soon as you notice it to prevent plants from dying and the issue from escalating. Follow these steps to eliminate whiteflies from your houseplants:

1. Isolate your infested houseplants

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When you notice a pest on one of your indoor plants, it is essential to isolate the plant to prevent the pests from spreading. Check surrounding plants for any signs of pests and isolate them as well to avoid further infestation.

Whiteflies reproduce quickly, with females laying eggs on the underside of leaves. Inspect the foliage of your houseplants to locate any larvae hidden in hard-to-see spots. Placing your affected houseplants in a separate area, away from other plants, can help contain the infestation.

Mark Cleghorn

Mark is a certified entomologist and Region Technical Training Manager at Arrow Exterminators.

2. Cut away infested leaves

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Once your affected plants are isolated, you can start addressing the whiteflies. Removing heavily infested leaves is crucial to effectively eliminate whiteflies, according to pest control expert Allan Bossel from BBE Bed Bug Exterminator. Look for leaves with severe damage or a high concentration of larvae on the undersides.

Although it may be disheartening to prune your plants, cutting away infested foliage can promote new growth. For instance, my Monstera deliciosa rebounded quickly with multiple new leaves after a thrips infestation forced me to trim it back. Essential pruning tools like bypass pruning shears can help with this task. Remember to clean your tools after use to prevent spreading any potential infestations.

Allan Bossel

Allan Bossel currently serves as an Operations Expert at BBE Bed Bug Exterminator, where his extensive experience in bed bug and pest control allows him to maximize BBE’s service potential. Having founded his own pest control business in Michigan, Allan’s background is rich with over a decade of professional pest extermination and lab work experience.

3. Introduce nematodes

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If you prefer eco-friendly gardening practices, you can use nematodes as a natural pest control method to eliminate whiteflies. Nematodes are microscopic organisms that attack pests by releasing bacteria that kill them. They are safe for plants and pets and do not leave any residue on plant foliage.

While nematodes are typically applied to soil to combat pests like fungus gnats (which live in the soil), the approach differs when dealing with whiteflies, as their larvae are found on foliage. Mix beneficial nematodes in water and spray the solution on the affected leaves or gently clean the leaves with a soft cloth soaked in the nematode mixture. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using nematodes.

4. Use a soap spray

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If you are dealing with a severe whitefly infestation, you may need to use soap sprays or other bug sprays to save your houseplants. Homemade soap sprays can dehydrate and kill whiteflies, or you can opt for commercial products like neem oil with castile soap and warm water. These solutions are environmentally friendly and create a barrier on whiteflies’ bodies, disrupting their respiratory system.

By using these insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays indoors, you can effectively control whiteflies without harming your houseplants or the environment. Directly spray the affected plant’s leaves with the solution, and repeat every few days until the whitefly population is eliminated. Always follow the instructions provided with the pest control products.

5. Set up sticky traps

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To completely eradicate whiteflies from your houseplant collection, it is essential to capture adult pests flying around your plants. Similar to dealing with gnats, where focusing on larvae alone is not enough, capturing adult whiteflies is crucial.

Adult whiteflies are attracted to yellow sticky traps and get stuck on them, reducing their population. You can place yellow sticky traps in the pots of affected plants and replace them as needed until the whitefly infestation is under control.

FAQs

How long does it take to get rid of whiteflies on houseplants?

The duration of eliminating whiteflies depends on environmental factors such as temperature, ranging from three weeks to a few months. Consistent pest control measures for several weeks are necessary to ensure complete eradication. Monitor your plants regularly and continue pest control practices until the whiteflies are gone.

What is the sticky substance from whiteflies?

Whiteflies produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract black sooty mold and other insects like ants. Entomologist Mark Cleghorn from Arrow Exterminators advises gently cleaning plant leaves with a damp cloth to remove honeydew.


One of the most common mistakes with indoor plants is ignoring pest problems. To prevent pests, I recommend regularly cleaning plant leaves, ensuring proper airflow, and isolating new plants before adding them to your collection. If you notice pests in your plant soil, our guide on eliminating bugs from houseplant soil may be helpful.