In countries with a mild climate, the tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a common pest and very difficult to eradicate. In tropical and subtropical regions the tobacco whitefly has become a severe pest. At the moment it causes huge economic damage in southern European greenhouse crops, such as tomatoes, cucumber, melon, etc. Recently the tobacco whitefly has become more prevalent in western Europe.

Economic damage is caused not only by feeding, but also by honeydew secretion. The tobacco whitefly is a vector of several feared plant viruses such as TYLCV and CYDV.