Whiteflies in Fort Lauderdale
Whiteflies have become a major concern for Fort Lauderdale residents with at least two, possibly three, species impacting the landscape. Ficus or Fig, Rugose Spiraling, and a new one on the scene, Bondar’s Nesting, have been found within the city limits of Fort Lauderdale. Residents may have noticed plant leaves that are yellowing, dropping, covered with white waxy material called flocculent, or covered with whitefly excrement called honeydew and its accompanying sooty mold. Plants, walkways, cars, outdoor furniture and even pools may become covered with the sticky material or flocculent. Whiteflies are among the many pests that are part of living in a subtropical climate. They can be managed with proper plant cultural practices; use of other beneficial insects, mites and fungi; and judicious application of the appropriate pesticides. Fortunately, control methods for all three species of Whitefly are similar. The State of Florida has set up an informational webpage - www.flwhitefly.org - with information for homeowners, professionals and educators
Ficus or Fig Whitefly – The Ficus or Fig Whitefly has been in South Florida since 2007 and mainly attacks non-native ficus species. This whitefly can kill ficus hedges and even large ficus trees.
Rugose Spiraling Whitefly – The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly was first found in Miami-Dade County in 2009, but only became a problem in Fort Lauderdale in 2011. The good news is that the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly does not usually kill the host plant but does cause quite a mess with its honeydew excrement. The City of Fort Lauderdale has been treating City medians, parks and parking lots for the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly. To see areas treated and for more information on the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly go to our Rugose Spiraling Whitefly page. The City is also testing native ladybugs and other bio-control agents on their effectiveness on controlling whiteflies.
Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly – The Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly was first found in Oakland Park in 2011. City Staff has only found one incident of the Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly in the Palm Aire area and it was quickly eradicated. At this time, Spring 2012, the Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly does not seem to pose the problems the other two whitefly species do. For more information on the Bondar’s Nesting Whitefly, see the following websites:
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