Category: Fly Control

As spring approaches, South Florida residents are on the lookout for the area’s largest nuisance invader—the whitefly. Since the early 2000s, two pesky species of whitefly have emerged in the region: the Ficus whitefly and the Rugose spiraling whitefly. While these two species have their unique traits, they both feed on leaves, injuring plants and damaging landscapes in West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.

Whiteflies are expected to be even more invasive this year, which means homeowners should be extra-vigilant against these damaging pests. Here’s why the whitefly problem is so bad in Florida this year, and what you can do to prevent a whitefly infestation at your property.

The Whitefly Problem in Florida

Whiteflies love hot weather, and the lack of any real winter in Florida for the past several years may be to blame for the high population of these damaging insects. With few freezes this winter, whitefly populations show no signs of slowing down.

A dry winter has also reduced the number of natural fungal diseases that naturally reduce whitefly populations. Without moisture during the cooler months of the year, the diseases that keep whiteflies in check simply aren’t kicking in. The combination of warm, dry weather means that a difficult whitefly season is in store for Floridians this spring.

Signs of Whitefly Damage

How can you tell if whiteflies have invaded your landscape? Take a close look at your plants. Whiteflies gather in large numbers on the underside of leaves, damaging the plant by piercing the tissue and eating the sap. Like aphids and mealybugs, whiteflies excrete “honeydew,” a sticky substance that often attracts ants and creates a black, sooty mold on plants.

As whiteflies damage plants in your yard, you’ll notice leaves turning yellow or silvery. As the damage continues, the leaves will dry and drop from plants, and heavily infested plants will eventually die.

Be Proactive Against Whiteflies

The best way to control a whitefly invasion is to take early action at the first possible sign of the pest. If you’ve had whitefly problems in the past, this year is projected to be even worse. Be proactive to keep these nuisance pests from damaging your beautiful landscape by contacting the whitefly control experts, like the ones at Service Choice of West Palm Beach.

Our pioneering whitefly control treatments prevent both the Ficus whitefly and rugose spiraling whitefly from invading your landscape. Using root drenches, basil trunk treatments, or direct trunk injections, we apply high-performing insecticides to eliminate whitefly populations. In some cases, we supplement with foliar sprays, all while protecting beneficial insects that reduce whitefly populations naturally. The time to act against whiteflies is now! Call Service Choice of West Palm Beach today at (561) 734-9269 to schedule a free inspection and estimate of your property.

Worried your South Florida property is infested with whiteflies? In our warm climate, these nuisance pests are rapid reproducers that can attack ornamental plants and trees, vegetable gardens, and more. There are over 75 species of whitefly in Florida, but the two most problematic for Florida landscapes are the ficus whitefly and the rugose spiraling whitefly. Read on to learn what you need to know about whiteflies, and how you can deal with the problem the worry-free way.

What Are Whiteflies?

Of South Florida pests that can invade your lawn and garden, whiteflies are among the worst. These tiny, white, soft-bodied flies can easily be missed when a few first appear. Since they multiply so quickly, it’s often usually not until they have reached epidemic proportions that you notice them.

If you suspect you have a whitefly problem in your landscape, regularly check the plants to make sure they’re healthy and insect-free. Look closely at the underside of leaves for white specks or a fine, powdery substance, whiteflies may have set up shop in your garden. Don’t worry if you spot ladybugs or spiders on your plants—they’re natural predators of the whitefly and can help keep populations down.

While whiteflies are generally seasonal pests that may not make it back after the winter, they could remain a problem if temperatures stay warm during the winter. It’s important to check for symptoms in your garden to determine if you’re dealing with a whitefly problem:

• Brittle, dry leaves that turn yellow, then die
• Poor plant growth
• Sticky residue whiteflies leave on plant leaves, which can also lead to fungal infections

Many homeowners wonder how they got whiteflies in the first place. These pests are typically introduced into your landscape on infested plants that you’ve purchased, or they may have spread to your yard from an infested garden in the neighborhood. They’ll even make their way indoors, invading and feeding on your houseplants. One thing is certain—no matter how whiteflies arrived at your property, you should waste no time getting rid of them.

How Service Choice Treats Whiteflies

For years, Service Choice has been at the forefront of whitefly control. Working with the University of Florida IFAS and the Broward and Palm Beach County Extension Agencies, we’ve developed an innovative program that includes root drenches, basil trunk treatments, or direct trunk injections using high-quality systemic insecticides. Depending on your situation, we can supplement these treatments with foliar sprays while protecting beneficial insects that can naturally aid in the total eradication of both common species, the ficus whitefly and the rugose spiraling whitefly.

Helping South Florida Keep Whiteflies Under Control

Dealing with a whitefly problem at your property? The certified whitefly technicians at Service Choice of Oakland Park are ready to help! Please call us today at (954) 568-9955 to learn more about our whitefly treatment program and to schedule a free inspection and estimate of your property.