Clouds of tiny white insects fly up when you touch your plants

Sticky leaves from honeydew secretions

Black sooty mould growing on honeydew-covered surfaces

Yellowing or curling leaves, especially on young or stressed plants

Reduced plant vigour and distorted growth

Whiteflies thrive in warm, humid, enclosed environments — making them a frequent pest in UK greenhouses, houseplants, and polytunnels.

How Sticky Traps Help with Whiteflies

Yellow sticky traps are a proven and chemical-free method for monitoring and reducing whitefly populations. The vibrant yellow attracts adult whiteflies, which are then caught on the trap’s sticky surface. This helps to:

Monitor pest population levels

Disrupt adult activity and reduce breeding

Prevent infestations from spreading

Place traps at or just above plant canopy level, where whiteflies fly and congregate. Use in greenhouses, grow tents, or near infested houseplants.

Combine sticky traps with biological control agents like Encarsia formosa for a highly effective integrated approach.

Whitefly Control: Best Practices

Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults early

Apply biological controls like parasitic wasps (Encarsia)

Remove heavily infested plant parts

Increase airflow and avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen

Keep greenhouse doors and vents screened to reduce entry

Sticky traps help track whitefly numbers and catch flying adults, but they won't stop established infestations alone. They are, however, an essential part of any whitefly control strategy.