9 Best Whitefly Sprays & How To Use Them (Complete Guide)

Whiteflies can do an extensive amount of damage to gardens, yards, and outdoor plants. It’s only natural for those with a whitefly infestation to want to get rid of it. Luckily, there are many different spray-based insecticides out there that are effective at eliminating whiteflies for good.

There are three main types of sprays you can use against whiteflies: horticulture sprays, neem oil sprays, and insect-eliminating soaps. Horticulture and neem oil sprays eliminate whiteflies while protecting your plants, while insecticidal soaps eliminate whiteflies and their larvae on contact.

In this article we’ll go through the 9 BEST whitefly sprays available, and how to use them to keep those destructive little insects off your plants. We’ll explain the differences between the most popular types of whitefly sprays so you can pick the most effective spray for your situation. Let’s get to it!

What Damage Can Whiteflies Do?

For how small they are (about 1/12 of an inch!), whiteflies can do some serious damage and do so in a variety of ways. For starters, whiteflies damage plants when they feed. This is especially true if there are large swarms of whiteflies present or if the plants in question are young.

In addition to this, whiteflies can make plants more susceptible to disease when they eat them. For example, whiteflies secrete a sticky substance called honeydew while eating. This can cause the plant to develop sooty mold when covered with this secretion. Whiteflies are also known carriers of a variety of viruses that can do substantial damage to plants.

The Different Types of Whitefly Sprays (And How to Use Them)

Now to the good stuff! 

There are three different types of popular and effective whitefly sprays available for household use. These include horticultural sprays, neem oil sprays, and insect-eliminating soaps. 

So, what exactly is the difference between these sprays? Horticultural sprays are petroleum-based and processed to remove any ingredients that could harm plants. Neem oil sprays are a natural insecticide with the main ingredient being the oil extracted from fruits and seeds of the neem tree. Insect-eliminating soaps are basically what it sounds like – similar to dish soap and mixed with water.

Easy enough, right?

No matter which spray you choose, it’s crucial that you spray both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Whiteflies are crafty little buggers and can still thrive, lay their eggs, and feed on the underside of leaves if they have not been sprayed with an insecticide.

Now we’ll explore the general differences between these three categories of whitefly sprays. We will also be explaining how these sprays are generally used. Be sure to always read and follow your insecticide product’s instructions.

Horticultural Sprays

Horticultural oils come in two main forms. The first is the purer of the two and is created from chemicals found in paraffinic crude oil. The second type of horticultural sprays are less pure and also contain a mixture of essential oils along with paraffinic crude oil. 

Don’t let the word ‘crude oil’ turn you away from this product. Horticultural oil sprays are extremely effective at eliminating whiteflies and are processed to remove any ingredients that could harm your plants. Don’t worry, it will certainly not come out as a black sludge!

Most horticultural sprays are mixed with water and are designed to be sprayed on and around plants. You will need to follow your horticultural oil product’s instructions for the proper oil to water ratio that should be used. 

You should also check out what plants could be at risk for damage by your horticultural oil product. We definitely don’t want to put all this work into getting whiteflies off your plants, only to damage them with the insecticide.

Neem Oil Sprays

Neem oil is a natural oil that comes from neem tree seeds. It is a natural insecticide that can be used against whiteflies. Although neem oil insecticides can come in many forms, sprays are among the most popular. The best part? Neem oil sprays are super easy to use. 

Depending on the specific neem oil product, you may need to mix the oil with water before using it. But hey, you get to play mad scientist, right?

Most neem oil products can be sprayed directly on your plants. However, you should always follow your neem oil product’s instructions when it comes to the neem oil to water ratio and application instructions. 

Some products may instruct you to spray around plants while others may instruct you to spray the oil directly onto the plants. As with horticulture sprays, check out which plants can be damaged by your neem oil spray. To find out more information about neem oil sprays, here’s what the National Insecticide Information Center has to say.

Insect-Eliminating Soaps

Insect-eliminating soaps are somewhat similar to the liquid soaps that we use to wash our hands and dishes. However, they are specifically designed to be applied to plants and eliminate various types of insects. 

Like other types of whitefly sprays on our list, insect-eliminating soaps are typically mixed with water before you spray them. You can always find out what the water to soap ratio is by checking out your product’s instructions.

As always, you should also check to see which plants could potentially be damaged by the insect-eliminating soap that you are using.

The 3 Best Horticultural Sprays

According to the University of Western Sydney, horticultural sprays are among the most effective insecticides. Luckily, this also means that there are many horticultural insecticide sprays available for purchase online. Here are the three best horticultural sprays for eliminating whiteflies that are available on Amazon.

Bonide (BND210) – All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil

If you want an organic garden but also have a whitefly infestation, this product is a perfect choice! This horticultural spray’s main active ingredient is mineral oil, which is approved for organic gardening. To make things even better, you can use this product during the dormant stage. This horticultural whitefly spray also protects your plants from certain diseases such as powdery mildew and greasy spot.

Who It’s Good For

This product is great for anyone who is looking to protect their outdoor plants from whiteflies, plant diseases, and other insects all year round. This whitefly spray will not harm any mammalian animals as well.

Who It’s Not Good For

This horticultural whitefly spray is not designed for indoor use. Therefore, those who are looking for an indoor whitefly spray will want to look for a different product. 

In addition to this, you will need to mix this whitefly spray with water, and this product does not come with a hose attachment. As a result, it may not be as easy to use as some other products on this list. However, mixing instructions do come on the package, making mixing easier.

Summit Year-Round Spray Oil for Garden Insects

This is yet another horticultural oil whitefly spray that is very effective at eliminating whiteflies and is designed for year-round use. Although this product does not claim to protect your plants from as many diseases as our previous whitefly spray on our list, it is effective at preventing plants from developing powdery mildew and gets rid of existing mildew.

Who It’s Good For

This whitefly spray is great for those who are looking for an easy-to-use product. All you need to do is connect the bottle to your garden hose and it mixes and sprays for you! This product is also designed for year-round use, so you can use this horticultural oil spray on plants that are in the dormant stage, blooming plants, and even edible fruits and vegetables.

Who It’s Not Good For

This spray is intended for outdoor use only, so those looking for a whitefly spray that they can apply inside will benefit from using a different product.

Monterey Horticultural Oil Concentrate

This product is yet another organic gardening-approved horticultural oil whitefly spray that is intended to be used during both the dormant and growing seasons. This spray is also okay to use on edible plants like various types of fruits and vegetables.

Who It’s Good For

This whitefly spray is great for anyone who is looking for year-round insect protection for their outdoor plants while still upholding organic gardening. It has also been reported to be effective at preventing and getting rid of various plant-based diseases.

Who It’s Not Good For

This horticultural oil spray is more-so designed to only eliminate the insects already present, rather than repel them. As a result, some types of insects may still lay their eggs on your plants. Understanding your whitefly problem before purchasing a spray is key in choosing the right product.

However, with frequent application, you can easily get rid of the insects that lay eggs on your plants and not have to worry about repelling them.

In addition to this, it’s not recommended to use this horticultural oil spray indoors, as this product is intended for outdoor use only. Those looking for an indoor whitefly spray will likely benefit from a different product.

The 4 Best Neem Oil Sprays

According to studies by the USDA, neem oil sprays may not be technically as effective at getting rid of whiteflies on a commercial scale as some other types of sprays. However, many people swear by and continuously use neem oil as their natural insecticide of choice in their home gardens.

As a result, there are many neem oil sprays that are very effective at eliminating whiteflies and their eggs. Here are the four best whitefly neem oil sprays that are available on Amazon.

Neem Organics Pure Neem Oil

This neem oil whitefly spray is made entirely from cold-pressed neem seeds and fruits, and it is approved to be used in organic gardens. This spray is also fine to use during both the dormant and growing plant stages for both indoor and outdoor plants.

Although this product has been reported to be alright to use on plant leaves, flowering plants, herbs, and fruits and vegetables, some have claimed that this product can damage certain types of plants. Best practice is to test the spray on a single leaf or a single plant before spraying everything. Adverse reactions will typically pop up within a day.

Who It’s Good For

This product is great for anyone who is looking for an all-natural and organic insecticide. In addition to this, you can use this product indoors and outdoors, which is great for those who wish to protect their houseplants from whiteflies and other insects. This neem oil spray is also effective at preventing and taking care of a few select plant-based illnesses.

Who It’s Not Good For

This product has been reported to do damage to a few different types of plants, such as cucumber and squash plants, after application. In addition to this, this whitefly neem oil spray does not protect against or get rid of all plant-based diseases. This product will need to be mixed with water and placed in a separate spray bottle before using as well, which takes extra time and effort.

Lastly, it isn’t specifically formulated to get rid of whiteflies, but if you’re a neem oil fan then its regular use on your plant can help eliminate them and their larvae.

Natria Neem Oil Spray for Plants

This neem oil spray is not made exclusively from neem oil. However, it’s intended use is to be very effective at eliminating whiteflies and preventing powdery mildew and black spot. In addition to whiteflies, this Natira’s Neem Oil Spray is designed to be effective at eliminating other types of insects as well including Japanese Beetles, Fruit Flies, and Bagworms. Bonus! This product is also OMRI listed for use in organic gardens.

Who It’s Good For

This product is great for those who are looking for an effective and organic insecticide for whiteflies and various other insects. In addition to this, this product is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a product that will prevent and get rid of a variety of plant-based diseases. This product is also easy to use, and it comes to your door in a ready-to-use spray bottle.

Who It’s Not Good For

This product is not made from neem oil exclusively. However, there are other products on our list that are made from 100% neem oil. In addition to this, you should always follow the directions when using this product or any other neem oil based product.

Bonide Ready-to-Use Neem Oil

This is another neem oil spray that is not made from neem seed oil exclusively. However, it is great at eliminating whiteflies, whitefly larvae, and whitefly eggs. Bonide’s Neem Oil is also good at preventing and getting rid of a few plant-based diseases such as mildew and mites. This spray can also be used on both dormant and growing plant stages.

Who It’s Good For

This is a great neem oil whitefly spray for anyone who is looking to eliminate whiteflies at egg, larvae, and adult stages all year round. In addition to this, this product has been effective at gaining control of some plant-based diseases. This neem oil insecticide spray also comes ready to use.

Who It’s Not Good For

This product is not made exclusively from neem seed oil, so those looking for a pure neem oil spray would benefit from other neem oil spray products. Luckily, we have two items on this list that would be perfect for those looking for 100% neem oil sprays. Of course, you will also need to follow this product’s instructions and apply with care.

Organic Neem Bliss 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Seed Oil

Unlike some of the other products on our list, this neem oil spray is made exclusively from pure, cold-pressed neem seed oil. This makes it one of the products that are OMRI listed for use in organic crops and gardens.

Who It’s Good For

This product is great for those who are looking for a completely natural and organic insecticide that they can use both outside and inside. Always however, double check the up to date product information to confirm both indoor and outdoor usage.

Who It’s Not Good For

Due to its lack of chemical content, this product may not be as effective at eliminating whitefly infestations as some of the other products on our list, especially if the whitefly infestation is severe. In addition to this, you will need to mix this neem seed oil by diluting it, as it does not come ready to use.

The 2 Best Whitefly Eliminating Soaps

Insecticidal soaps are very effective at eliminating whiteflies from plants and keeping them away. Many people prefer to use whitefly eliminating soaps because it is not as harsh as some other insecticides, and it can be more effective than some essential oils. 

As a result, insecticidal soaps are very popular among the gardening crowd. Here are the two best whitefly eliminating soaps that are available on Amazon.

Garden Safe Brand Insecticidal Soap

This insecticidal soap product eliminates whiteflies on contact, and it has been OMRI listed for organic use on crops and garden plants. In addition to this, you can use this product inside, outside, and in greenhouses.

Who It’s Good For

Garden Safe’s soap is great for those who are looking to eliminate whiteflies and other types of insects from their garden and household plants. This insecticidal soap is also great for those who are looking to garden organically as it is OMRI listed and comes ready to use.

Who It’s Not Good For

This product is good at preventing your plants from developing diseases that are associated with insect damage because it will eliminate insects. However, other plant-based diseases may not be prevented, and it may not cure an already existing plant disease.

Bonide Products Ready-to-Use Insect Soap

This insecticidal soap spray also eliminates whiteflies and other insects on contact and is OMRI listed for use on organic crops and garden plants. Also like the other insecticidal soap on this list, this product can be used in various spaces including greenhouses, outdoors, and inside homes.

Who It’s Good For

This product is great for those who are looking for an organic way to eliminate whiteflies easily and comes ready to use out of the bottle.

Who It’s Not Good For

Although this product will prevent your plants from developing diseases associated with insect damage after the insects have all been eliminated, this product does not prevent or cure other plant-based diseases. Luckily, other products on this list such as horticultural oil whitefly sprays are typically great at doing this!

Wrapping Things Up

Whiteflies can cause a real headache for many gardeners and plant owners. These small insects can do quite a bit of damage as they munch on your fruits and plants. Luckily, there are plenty of different sprays that can eliminate your whitefly problem, and they are easily ordered online. 

To pick the right spray, you’ll need to narrow down your situation. Do you need a spray that’s for both indoor and outdoor? Neem oil or eliminating soaps are your best bet. Need something more powerful to work outdoors only? Try a horticultural spray!

No matter what your situation is, there is a spray out there that can help reduce and eventually eliminate your whitefly problems. As always, be sure to follow the directions on your product’s label to get the most out of your spray.

References

Beattie, A., Watson, D., Stevens, M., Rae, D., & Spooner-Hart, R. (2002). Spray Oils Beyond 2000: Sustainable Pest and Disease Management. University of Western Sydney. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3pnGgZNXyY0C&oi=fnd&pg=PA120&dq=best+whitefly+sprays&ots=8Vhil_tRsv&sig=fnmSXUBZHJbDR200xct56X06ju4#v=onepage&q=best%20whitefly%20sprays&f=false

Bogran, C. E., & Heinz, K. M. (n.d.). Whiteflies. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/landscaping/whiteflies/

Bond, C., Buhl, K., & Stone, D. (2012). Neem Oil. National Pesticide Information Center. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html

Pundt, L. (1993). Horticultural Oils. University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management Program. Retrieved June 20, 2021, from http://www.ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/html/831.php

Puri, S. N., Butler Jr., G. D., & Henneberry, T. J. (1991). Plant-derived oils and soap solutions as control agents for the whitefly on cotton. Journal of applied zoological researches, 2(1), 1. https://pubag.nal.usda.gov/catalog/55056