what are the tiny white flies everywhere

The tiny white flies are most likely whiteflies —small, pale, moth-like insects that usually gather on the undersides of plant leaves and flutter up when disturbed. If they’re truly “everywhere,” the usual clue is a plant infestation, not ordinary house flies.

Quick ID

Whiteflies are tiny, white to pale yellow, and often look powdery or waxy. They cluster on leaf undersides, and infested plants may also show yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, or sooty mold.

What to do

• Check houseplants and outdoor plants first, especially the undersides of leaves.

• Rinse them off with water, then use insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or another approved whitefly treatment if needed.

• Use yellow sticky traps to catch adults and monitor the problem.

• If the infestation is heavy, treat repeatedly or bring in professional pest control.

When it might be something else

If the insects are dark-bodied and hanging around moist soil, they may be fungus gnats instead of whiteflies. If you want, I can help you figure out whether yours are whiteflies, fungus gnats, or something else from a description or photo.