White Flies Already?

Fert1 · May 27, 2008

It seems like these things show up earlier and earlier each year. I've got them already. It doesn't bode well for me this year, does it?

huntoften · May 28, 2008

I researched this problem last year and ended up trying reflective mulch film this year. I've got it in all of my raised beds and so far...no white flies or aphids/thrips! I did not put it my adjacent patch of sweet corn...white flies all over the place there! They are just a few yards apart, but that film and the light bouncing off of it seems to be keeping them away so far!

Fert1 · May 28, 2008

Reflective mulch? I am not familiar with it. What does it look like and where might I find it?

huntoften · May 29, 2008

It's a 4 ft wide plastic film...black on the borders, silver in the center. I've used the red film in the past and was happy with moisture retention and weed control, but it did nothing for the white flies and aphids...this stuff is supposed to confuse the bugs with all the light bouncing up...my garden looks like a disco, but I don't inhale those nasty bugs every time I walk in the garden! Haven't used any pesticides at all this year! I'll do my best to get my camera to the garden and post pics soon.

May 27, 2008	#1
Fert1 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Upstate SC, Zone 7 Posts: 543	White Flies Already? It seems like these things show up earlier and earlier each year. I've got them already. It doesn't bode well for me this year, does it? __________________ Holly

May 28, 2008	#2
huntoften Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas CIty Posts: 560	I researched this problem last year and ended up trying reflective mulch film this year. I've got it in all of my raised beds and so far...no white flies or aphids/thrips! I did not put it my adjacent patch of sweet corn...white flies all over the place there! They are just a few yards apart, but that film and the light bouncing off of it seems to be keeping them away so far! __________________ Kansas City, Missouri Zone 5b/6a

May 28, 2008	#3
Fert1 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Upstate SC, Zone 7 Posts: 543	Reflective mulch? I am not familiar with it. What does it look like and where might I find it? __________________ Holly

May 29, 2008	#4
huntoften Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas CIty Posts: 560	It's a 4 ft wide plastic film...black on the borders, silver in the center. I've used the red film in the past and was happy with moisture retention and weed control, but it did nothing for the white flies and aphids...this stuff is supposed to confuse the bugs with all the light bouncing up...my garden looks like a disco, but I don't inhale those nasty bugs every time I walk in the garden! Haven't used any pesticides at all this year! I'll do my best to get my camera to the garden and post pics soon. __________________ Kansas City, Missouri Zone 5b/6a