Flies in Florida - Got Dying Ficus in FL?

WHITE FLIES INFESTING FICUS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Ficus hedges infested become completely defoliated.

A new exotic pest called whitefly is now attacking ficus, hedges and trees in Miami-Dade. The white fly originated from China and India. It is reported that these flies in Florida have entered our area by cargo entering via the Miami River. They are rapidly moving throughout Miami Beach, Doral, Coral Gables and now Westchester and Kendall.

DESCRIPTION AND DAMAGE

The leaves of the ficus trees infested with whiteflies begin to turn yellow before the leaves drop, often in large quantities. Ficus trees without their leaves are one of the most obvious symptoms of a whitefly infestation. These insects feed on the underside of leaves with their needle-like mouthparts.

Immature stages (eggs and nymphs) can be found primarily on the underside of the leaves.  Also some may have white tiny spots.

Adult white fly yellow body and white wings.

Monitor your ficus plants for early signs of an infestation is important because it will be easier to manage the pest before it builds to high population and causes major damage.

SOLUTION FOR WHITEFLIES

If you or your neighbor’s property have hedges and the leaves are turning yellow. A drench root treatment around the base of the hedges and trees may be performed. Please call our office for a free inspection and evaluation from one of our technical advisor.