Is biological control effective in combating whiteflies?
Whiteflies are attacked by a number of predators and parasitoids. Whitefly nymphs are eaten by green lacewings, lady bugs, minute pirate bugs, big eyed bugs, and damsel bugs. In addition, whiteflies are frequently attacked by a number of native and introduced parasites. The ash whitefly is now under very effective biological control throughout California. University of California scientists discovered a tiny parasitic wasp that feeds on the developing nymphs. This wasp has been released throughout the state and ash whitefly is now largely under effective biological control.