One day all was well, the next my plant is SWARMED with Witeflies! Hundreds and hundreds of these tiny annoying flies are covering my plant and they swarm in a cloud when I water it. I read online that a solution of Pantene ProV Clarifying Shampoo and water coated all over the leaves (front and back) is a recommended treatment. But the problem is this shampoo is being discontinued and I am having a terrible time finding it! One person on eBay wants $30 for one bottle! No, thank you!
So, I have tried what I have on hand. I made a mixture of Herbal Essence Degunktify (which is a clarifying shampoo) and water and went to town. I sprayed and they swarmed. In my eyes, in my hair and up my nose! Uck! But I think my plant is pretty well coated. Poor thing, already leaves are scumming to the treacherous whiteflies.
I guess I will check back tomorrow and see how the swarm is doing… anyone have any ideas for me? I am open to suggestions! HELP!
Barbara M says
I’ve never heard of wite flies.
Did you google for a fix?
I hope your solution works!
I’m a tomato lover!
Milcah says
I don’t know if they’re gnat size, but I would suggest spraying them directly with pump bottle holding spray if they are. Makes their wings stick and they’ll “bug” off. Good Luck!
becca king reed says
Jen,
I heard from a gardener friend that any soapy water will repel bugs. I also remember hearing that the only thing that deters Killer Bees is a mixture of Tide and water.
You could try Tide. If it works on Killer Bees, what chance have flies got?
Good luck,
becca
maria says
Oh man, I think that’s the shampoo I use.
Jessica says
Oh man, those sound nasty! I haven’t encountered any flies yet, but I’ll definitely keep my eyes out for them. Yesterday, a gigantic tomato hornworm attacked my plant (I actually blogged about it today)…ate it to the stem! I cannot believe he ate it all, blew my mind.
Good luck and let us know what works!