Whitefly Control on Tomatoes: Early Action Is Key

Whiteflies suck sap from tomato leaves and fruit, excreting honeydew that hosts black sooty mold. Ants often tend the honeydew. By early fall, populations explode and control becomes difficult.

Organic options: Spinosad, insecticidal soap, or azadirachtin (neem) work best when applied early—late May in Georgia. Spray at first sign of adults or nymphs.

Biological allies: Plant dill, fennel, cilantro, parsley, yarrow, basil, cosmos, dwarf sunflowers, and zinnias to attract parasitic wasps, lacewings, and lady beetles that suppress whiteflies naturally.