Whitefly is a major pest that can destroy plants in greenhouses and conservatories. Control Whitefly naturally by introducing Encarsia on small white cards, which are hung on the plants.

Adult whitefly are small, white, waxy-winged insects which congregate at the top of the plant, but fly off if disturbed. Both adults and  larval stages of the whitefly suck sap from the leaves resulting in stunted growth and damaged leaves. The sap contains excess sugar which is excreted by the whitefly and coats the lower leaves. Mould then develops ,which is unsightly and produces poor growth. Whitefly infestations start :-

• From plants brought into the greenhouse ,so carefully inspect any new ones. Whitefly can overwinter in the greenhouse even at low temps ,so keep an eye open for them. 
• They can come in through greenhouse vents in warm weather.

N.B. Whitefly should not be confused with aphids, which shed their skin leaving them on the leaves. To tell the difference shake the plant, whitefly will fly off whereas aphid skins will remain stuck.

Adult whitefly are capable of laying up to 200 eggs in groups on the underside of the leaves. Tiny larvae emerge ,which search out suitable feeding sites and lose the ability to move. This immobile "scale" stage is pale green, about 2mm long and lives under the lower leaves only - pictured left. The life cycle consists of adult laying eggs, to larvae, to scale and finally to adult, this whole process can be completed in as little as 3 weeks in the summer.

Encarsia - Protect your plants by introducing  Encarsia Formosa-a natural parasite of whitefly  Introduce them AS SOON as the first whitefly appear and the temperatures are above 10C / 50F. Encarsia are introduced to the greenhouse as dots on small ,white cards, which are simply hung on the lower leaves of the plants. Encarsia is a tiny insect with clear wings ,which seeks out whitefly scale and deposits an egg inside it. It is safe for you, children, pets and wildlife.Food crops such as tomotoes can be harvested continually, where Encarsia is used.

Encarisa - The life cycle of the beneficial Encarsia is completed inside the whitefly scale, which is destroyed and turns black, before a new Encarsia emerges ready to repeat the cycle. Each Encarsia is capable of laying 300 eggs inside 300 whitefly scales in 30 days.

Encarsia are available as a half course or a full course. (separate deliveries at 7 day intervals allows the Encarsia numbers to build up naturally.)

• A half course is two introductions at 7 day intervals and is for a small greenhouse where the whitefly have just appeared.

• A full course is four introductions at 7 day intervals and is for larger greenhouses or where the whitefly have had time to get established.

"Encarsia, miraculous! I've had whitefly in my conservatory for 15yrs. After using your encarsia last year I couldn't believe how the whitefly vanished like magic. I tell all my friends about you." Lady B.

"Used encarsia on fuchsias, pelargoniums and begonias for the first time last year. I've always had problems but this kept the plants completely free. Marvellous!" Mr H. from Cambridge.

Four steps to whitefly control :-

1. Hang yellow Glue Traps next to plants in spring to monitor & control those early whitefly.
2. Use SB Invigorator spray to control any early whitefly until av. temp. is 10C/50F.
3. Introduce Encarsia - we recommend a full course of 4 intros. at 7 day intervals.
4. Mop up any whitefly "hotspots" (i.e.big clusters of whitefly) with SB Invigorator spray while the Encarsia are getting established.

Glue Traps - Sticky glue traps should be placed next to the growing point of the plants. For plants such as tomatoes, hang the traps with string from the greenhouse roof ,so they can be raised as the plant grows. As the good Encarsia congregate in the lower leaves, the traps will only catch whitefly, which fly to the tops of the plants. Whitefly are attracted by the bright colour and become stuck to the trap. They should be changed as they become dirty. Available in packs of 10 or 25. Down in price this year!

SB Invigorator - This 'three in one' natural spray controls a range of pests in a safe and effective way and also controls fungal diseases plus it contains a foliar feed.  SB Plant Invigorator should be in your store cupboard ready to :-

• Control pests during the winter and spring when it is too cold to use beneficial insects (i.e. in unheated greenhouses / conservatories). There are no harmful chemical residues left behind, so beneficial insects can be introduced AS SOON as the temperatures are warm enough.
• Control any pest hotspots ONCE natural controls have been introduced. Use SB Plant Invigorator to target any pest hotspots. It will not harm beneficial insects once they have been introduced.
• Use for a pest emergency - been away or not noticed a rapid build up of pests such as red spider mite or greenfly? - use SB Invigorator to get control BEFORE introducing beneficial insects.

SB Invigorator controls pests and used regularly will reduce fungal diseases such as mildew. Plus it contains a foliar feed to help plants recover from pest attack. SB Invigorator is not only highly effective, but it is also biodegradable and non -toxic ,which means it can be used in the garden, conservatory or in the greenhouse and on edible plants too - pick and eat straightway. It is suitable for use throughout the year

SB Invigorator is brilliant at clearing heavy infestations BEFORE introducing a natural control. Here the spray has been applied twice at 2 day intervals to kill a heavy infestation of mealy bug before introducing cryptolaemus. The first spray removes the protective wax from the pest, which normally makes it so difficult to control and then the subsequent spray 2 days later kills the pest. As no harmful chemical residues are left behind, the cryptolameus were immediately introduced to give on-going pest control.

SB Invigorator is available as a 500ml ready to use spray, as a 250ml concentrate (makes 25 litres of spray) or as a 1 litre super concentrate (makes 500 litres) for use in your own sprayer.

"The plant invigorator spray is working beautifully on the aphids in the back garden and it is a pleasure to be able to spray something effective ,but based only on plant oils." Jacob by email.

Emergency Whitefly Pest Pack - "Help, I have a lot of whitefly in my greenhouse! What should I do?"

Use our Emergency Whitefly Pest Pack containing 250ml of SB Invigorator & a full course of Encarsia.

1. Spray with SB Invigorator for 2 weeks.
2. Introduce the Encarsia to establish a breeding colony for long term control. The 1st Encarsia will be sent automatically 14 days after the SB Invigorator with 3 more introductions following at 7 day intervals.
   

Emergency Whitefly Pest Pack £27.49