Evidence of spiraling whitefly.

Here's some info about whiteflies in general
http://ucipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7401.html

I suggest you contact your county's Master Gardeners; phone 858)822-6910

Here is a link that might be useful: whiteflies in general

I wonder whether the soil that the chilis are in isn't staying too wet - especially at the surface. This could be encouraging the aphids, whiteflies, etc. Why not try pulling the mulch back away from the chilis so that the surface dries? Chilis are quite resistant to drought and if they don't complain loudly they are fine even if the area looks dry as a bone.

If that helps you could try it with your other plants.

Dennis

I agree with Dennis about the watering. WAY too often, especially on the chiles. I live in Santee and I water my pepper plants about ever 8-10 days at this point. Slow and deep is the way to go. For my citrus, I water maybe a couple times a year very deeply. But they are very well established.

As far as whiteflies and aphids are concerned, water/soap/neem treatments do help, but one has to be diligent. Treatments every 3-4 days until the populations are manageable.

Also, an IPM program will definitely help. Planting flowering plants to bloom at different times of the year that attract the natural predators of the bad guys.

In the meantime, you may want to order some green lacewing eggs or larvae. Eggs are cheaper, but if you have an ant problem, larvae are probably the more sensible, since ants will eat the eggs as soon as you release them. Try to do a couple releases a couple weeks apart if funds aren't an issue.

Good luck.

Kevin