The lacewing larvae are also very tiny. I don't think for one second that insecticidal soaps will get rid of the whitefly problem in this greenhouse. We need to emphasize that whiteflies are one of the most persistant of all plant pests and dreaded in a greenhouse. All you can expect from the soaps is some knock-down of the flitting adults.....maybe some nymph kill if you concentrate on getting the spray http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/ underneath the foliage. I don't really have a lot of confidence in the use of lacewing larvae, either. How many do you plan to release? You will probably see a reduction in numbers with the use of both methods, but don't expect to eliminate them. I think that what I would do is apply a cold pressed neem extract on the underside of the foliage. An occasional light spray of a soap solution can kill some adults. You will have to repeat applications periodically as long as there are plants in the greenhouse. They are the gift that keeps on giving. Neem extract has a strange odor and the patrons need to be warned about that. It will dissipate in a couple of days. You will also have to be mindful of temperature limitations...you cannot spray soaps or oils on hot, sunny days. The plants should be watered well the day before. Patrons can enter the greenhouse as soon as the application has dried. There are zero problems from inhalation or contact, however. By the way....neem extract is very effective at controlling spider mites and certain plant diseases, too.

Whiteflies were the 2nd easiest to deal with this year for me, and I have had almost everything. If you cannot use lady bugs then mix a solution of 50/50 isopropyl to room temp water. You will hear mixed reviews about this, and if you use it too much you can definitely harm your plants. I found it to be extremely effective, most so on whiteflies. Remember to look at the percent of your alcohol, try to make the solution 50%, not just 50% by volume. Get an adjustable spray bottle and spray the undersides of the leaves only with one good mist, this is where the eggs and 99% of the whiteflies reside so I dont bother spraying the tops. Be sure the plants are ventilated and spray no more than once every couple days. You can use traps in conjunction with spray and it is very effective, the ones that escape without dying instantly will often fly straight onto the traps.

Thank you all for your responses. I could not figure out how to reply to each of you specifically so I'm doing a blanket response. KEN - I have not noticed any impact on the plants and I use the herbs for culinary purposes, sometimes fresh but mostly dried depending on the herb/dish. RHIZO 1 - Thank you for your suggestion and application advice. I appreciate that it is safe for herbs and I wondered myself about the use of vinegar! KIMMSR - THANKS for that link! The pictures were a huge help. One common questions was am I sure they are whiteflies. No I am not but after receiving your responses, I went out this morning with my camera and ran my hand over the plants...nothing happened! I did it again..nothing, so I shook the plants a little harder an out flew some white flies. Had a hard time getting the buggers to pose for the camera but finally got won ham out of the bunch. Also, tried to look at the bottom of the leaves for any other signs but I could not see/find any other indications of pest as "rhizo" described or the link from "kimmsr". Also some of these bugs seem to have a very slight green tint to them. I've only moved to Texas from the east coast 7 yrs ago. And each year there is a new "plague" of bugs we are invaded by. This summer it was grasshoppers as long as my finger and fly! I thought this white fly was the Sweet Potato type but after zooming in on it, I'm not sure what is is.

Thanks for a number of safe and inexpensive remedies. I haven't had much luck with anything I've tried with ants and grits didn't for me work either. I have used the Irish Spring soap for deer and it does seem to help. I put mine in used onion bags and hang on shepard hooks around the perimeter. I read that chives planted with roses will prevent black spot after two years. I planted several small divisions around mine to see if it works. I don't like to use pesticides since I grow many perennials and shrubs to attract hummers, butterflies and birds. Keski