White aphids?

RedClayGardener

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Hello!

After returning from vacation I noticed my tomato leaves yellowing in spots then turning brown and crispy. I looked on the plant and saw numerous tiny white bugs that looked like aphids. I sprayed with soapy water a couple of times but the problem is continuing ans spreading. I did some research and I can't find a reference to white colored aphids. Is anyone else having problems with a tiny white bug on their tomatoes? Any solutions?
 

OaklandCityFarmer

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They are probably white flies (probably Bemisia argentifolii). They can cause heavy damage by sucking sap out of tomato plants and they can also spread diseases (like wilts and mosaics).

Insecticidal soap usually works well to control them. A good lady bug population will also help keep them at bay.
 

RedClayGardener

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Sounds good. I managed to get the little suckers finnally. Now we are just riding out the last of the tomato crop before fall. I would love to release some ladybugs next year in the garden. I wish they ate squash bug too. :)
 

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