Rugose Spiraling Whitefly
Also known as Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly
The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly is found in South Florida. But DON'T panic. This whitefly is different from the ficus whitefly. So far, the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly is not causing severe plant damage such as plant death or severe branch die‐back.
What to look for: white spirals and a build‐up of a white, waxy substanceon the underside of leaves. This coats the eggs and immature whiteflies. If populations build‐up greatly, infested plants can become covered with the white, waxy substance. This can sometimes become weakened and also be disfigured by the black sooty mold that grows on the insect’s excrement (referred to as honeydew). The sticky honeydew can accumulate on cars, pool decks and patio furniture from infested trees overhead. Honeydew does not damage paint. Once the insect is under control, the sooty mold and honeydew will disappear.
Treated Areas
The City is has treated infected trees at the following locations:
- Natural Area on Riverwalk - 400 SW 2nd Street
- Historical Area on Riverwalk - 220 N. New River Drive
- Main Office at Snyder Park - 3299 SW 4th Avenue
- SE 1st Avenue from Davie Blvd to SE 15th Street
- Ponce de Leon Drive - Federal Hwy to SE 9th Avenue
- Virginia Young Park - 1000 SE 9th Avenue
- East Las Olas Blvd - SE 6th Avenue to SE 11th Avenue
- Ponce de Leon Dr - From SE 9 AV to end (all gumbo limbo and Calophyllum trees)
- City Hall (west side) - 100 North Andrews Avenue
- Purple Pickle Park - 632 Middle River Drive
- George English Park - 1101 Bayview Drive (Calophyllum trees at entrance)
- 15th Street Boat Basin - 1784 SE 15th Street
- SW 17 Street from Railroad tracks to SW 4th Avenue
- Triangle at West Park Drive and SW 19th Street near Crossiant Elementary
- City parking lot west of City Hall
- SR 84 median from SW 4th Avenue to SW 9th Avenue
- SR 84 median from SW 9th Avenue to SW 15th Avenue
- Oceanside Parking Lot - East Las Olas and South Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
- South Birch Road and Cortez Street traffic triangles
- Hardy Park - 25 SW 9th Street
- Evergreen Cemetery - 1300 SE 10th Avenue
- Annie Beck Park - 100 N Victoria Park Rd
- Victoria Park - 2 N Victoria Park Rd
Urban Forester Available to Speak to Neighborhoods about Whiteflies
Populations of the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly have recently been identified in southeast and southwest Fort Lauderdale. In an effort to educate and inform residents about the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Gene Dempsey, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Urban Forester, is available to homeowners associations, civic groups, neighborhoods and other organizations interested in learning more about the insect.
Among the topics that Dempsey can cover include: what is the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly; what should residents look for; what damage do they cause; what plants do they infest; how can they best be treated; and other relevant information. To arrange an appointment, please contact Mr. Dempsey at:
Gene Dempsey, Urban Forester
Parks and Recreation Department
City of Fort Lauderdale
1350 W. Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Ph: 954-828-7704
E-mail: GDempsey@fortlauderdale.gov
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