The edges of one of each of five pairs of long staple cotton fields were treated for sweetpotato whiteflies. Treated fields had 61% fewer eggs and 53% fewer nymphs than untreated fields. Adult populations were reduced 64% in the treated fields at the edges. In the center of treated fields adult populations remained low and unchanged, but in untreated fields there was a 70% increase. According to minicard tests, cotton from treated fields was not sticky but cotton from untreated fields was sticky. Thus, populations of whiteflies and their damage can be significantly reduced by treating only the periphery of cotton fields at the onset of infestation. The treating of only 12 to 15% of the acreage greatly reduces costs and preserves the untreated center for beneficial insects.