How to Kill White Flies on a Hibiscus Tree

Shake your hibiscus tree. Yes, it's an odd request, but grab the main cane and give it a gentle shake. If a puff of white “stuff” flies from the hibiscus, it has a whitefly infestation. Whiteflies typically live and feed on the undersides of the hibiscus' foliage. That's why it's so difficult to know what's troubling the plant when the leaves turn yellow, break out in yellow splotches or fall from the plant. If the bugs stick around long enough, they will deposit a substance known as honeydew on the foliage. If a lot of this builds up, photosynthesis becomes a challenge for the plant. It's a good idea to take care of the whitefly infestation on your hibiscus before it gets out of hand.

Hose
Pruning shears or garden snips
Systemic insecticide

Instructions

- 1
  Check other plants in the vicinity of the hibiscus. There's a good chance they are infested with whiteflies, as well. If you find them on other plants, treat them when you treat the hibiscus.
- 2
  Hose the whiteflies from the undersides of the hibiscus plant's leaves. This may feel a bit like an acrobatic routine, but it can be done and should be tried before using insecticides. A strong jet of water may dislodge an early infestation.
- 3
  Remove infested leaves and stems by snipping them off with pruning shears or garden snips.
- 4
  Use a systemic insecticide if all other control measures fail. These insecticides are applied to the soil where they are absorbed into the plant to provide long-term protection from sucking pests. Look for an insecticide that is labeled as systemic and for control of whiteflies. Apply the insecticide to the soil according to package instructions.

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