The colorfully blooming petunias not only attract people's attention on the balcony or in the bed. Whiteflies like to haunt plants in order to multiply in the substrate. In order to free the petunia from the infestation, biological means should always be used. Fortunately, there are numerous home remedies that have proven effective in the fight against the pest.
How to control whiteflies on petunias?
To keep whiteflies away from petunias, you can use suitable planting partners such as basil or thyme, install nets, use self-made sprays made from natural ingredients such as rapeseed oil or curd soap, or use beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps.
Home remedies for whitefly on petunias
- suitable planting partners
- Nets
- homemade sprays
- Beneficial insects
Suitable planting partners
Just leave whitefly control to nature. It is now clear that some plants drive away pests simply by emitting their aroma. Take advantage of this effect by planting the following plants near the petunia:
- Pineapple Sage
- Basil
- Firebush
- Indian spinach
- Lettuce
- Nasturtium
- Indian Mint
- Wild Bergamot
- Gold Balm
- Horsemint
- Celery
- Asparagus
- or thyme
Nets
Unfortunately, whitefly infestations are difficult to completely prevent. If an animal occasionally haunts your petunia, there is only a minor danger. However, it becomes problematic when the adults lay their eggs in the substrate. You can prevent this by covering your petunia with netting during the peak breeding season in warm weather. Make sure that there really isn't a hole that the pests could sneak through.
Homemade sprays
A solution made from organic ingredients is easy and inexpensive to make yourself. You certainly have the resources available. All you have to do is mix them with water. Suitable are:
- Rapeseed oil (ratio 1:3)
- Stinging nettles
- Garlic (boil a clove)
- Basil
- Curd soap (dissolve 30 g in one liter of water)
It is important when using it that you primarily spray the undersides of the leaves. There are more whiteflies here.
Beneficial insects
Get environmentally friendly balcony residents. You can get parasitic wasps from specialist retailers (€19.00 on Amazon). The beneficial insects feed on the whiteflies without harming your petunia.
