spiraling-whitefly

Whitefly

South Florida is known as a tourist Mecca. The snow birds flock down here every year, stroll the beaches, enjoy the tropical scenery, soak up some sun, contribute to our local economy and away they go, until next year. South Florida has another kind of visitor that loves the sun and the beaches, attaches itself to our tropical foliage, makes a mess that it doesn’t clean up, adversely affects our local economy and just won’t seem to go away. In fact, it has invited family members to join it for an extended stay.

Free Whitefly Elimination Quote — (305) 267-1426

Pest Control

What Is a Whitefly?

I’m referring to the rugose “spiraling whitefly”, synonymous with the gumbo limbo whitefly. The first sample of this exotic pest was collected from one of our native gumbo limbo trees about three years ago.

Commonly confused with its cousin, the ficus or fig whitefly (which is only hosted by trees from the genus Ficus), the rugose spiraling whitefly is hosted by at least 60 local trees, palms and shrubs. In addition to the gumbo limbo tree, other common hosts include oak, black olive, schefflera, avocado, mango, coconut palms and Christmas palms.

what-is-whitefly1
whitefly-infestation
Whitefly Infestation

Symptoms of an Infestation

The signs of infestation can be detected by carefully looking at the undersides of the leaves of trees and the fronds of palms. In most cases, as represented by the common name, a distinct spiraling white substance (their eggs) will be noticeable on the leaf surface.

For those who don’t spend their spare time looking up to inspect leaves, it’s usually the sudden appearance of a black, sticky substance apparent on plants, cars, patio decks, lawn furniture or almost anything else under or in close proximity to an infested tree or palm.

All whiteflies excrete a carbohydrate in the form of a clear, sticky substance, commonly referred to as “honey dew”. The sugary residue coats whatever it comes in contact with, followed by the growth of a fungus or mold within the substance, causing it to turn black (aka black sooty mold).

The insect itself causes damage in two ways: First by piercing leaves to suck water and vital nutrients from its host and second by releasing the honey dew which coats the leaves, interrupting their function of producing those same vital nutrients. Additionally, the honey dew can attract other damaging insects to the host as well.

Whitefly Infestation

What’s the Issue with Whiteflies?

The problem is so prevalent that Miami-Dade County, along with the University Of Florida and other involved agencies, has developed websites dedicated to information about the pest. “As of yet, there are no significant numbers of a natural predator helping to control the infestation,” says Keith Weyrick, a certified pest control operator and the customer service manager at One Two Tree/Pest Free who has spent 30 years in the local lawn and landscape industry.

During the winter seasons of 2010 and 2011, South Florida experienced enough cooler temperatures to slow the whitefly activity, but this most recent winter season was warmer and drier than average so there was no decline in activity. Whiteflies develop rapidly in warmer weather, so now’s the time to contact a professional pest control company that specializes in treating trees, palms, and landscaping.

Disease control is part of One Two Tree's lawn care in South Florida.
The One Two Tree Difference

Whitefly Control Methods

A quality and comprehensive program will control the visiting pest and protect the value of your property. Most professionals take a comprehensive and pro-active approach by applying fertilizer at the same time as insecticidal treatment, keeping trees and palms as healthy as possible while undergoing treatment.

There is a short list of insecticides that can be used to help manage infested trees and palms, but figuring out how much and how often to apply has to do with the diameter of an individual tree or palm, as well as its height and canopy dimension. Therefore, it is best left to a professional. Treatments can be applied through several different methods.

Contact spraying, systemic drenching and/or direct trunk injection are all acceptable methods. The latter is the newest method and a result of cutting-edge technology. Although more costly than the other two methods of application, direct injection has almost immediate results and will provide longer protection.

“It was not many years ago that the thought of drilling into a tree’s trunk was considered a harmful thing to do” said Dusty Montiel, spray division manager at One Two Tree/Pest Free.

“Today, a trained professional can drill a hole to a specific depth and install a specialty port for the express purpose of dispensing tree healthcare products. The products immediately enter a tree’s vascular system and are quickly transported to the branches and canopy. In some cases results can be measured in 24 hours.”

As a tree ages its bark grows over the port and no harm is done. Systemic drenches that rely on the roots of a tree to absorb and translocate the insecticide to the upper parts of a tree can take weeks.

Free Whitefly Elimination Quote — (305) 267-1426

Online Reviews

What Our Clients Say

"We are a repeat customer and use One Two Tree for tree trimming and pruning for all of our huge oak trees. They brought multiple crews that were able to complete the job within the day. We asked them to keep most of the canopy and just to thin out the branches to allow wind to go through. The crew was respectful, polite, and efficient. Rick is a professional operations manager and responds quickly via text or email. We will use One Two Tree again in the future. Thank you."

Julina Jensen

"I finally found a company with highly knowledgeable servicemen who have made a significant difference in my yard. My grass looks great and my shrubs and flowers are thriving. They are consistent, on time, and even stop by to check on my yard in between services. They frequently ask me if I have any questions or concerns, and they politely address them. I learned a lot from them and I highly recommend them."

Patricia Gage

"Fantastic product, the mosquito service really works! And Jorge, our technician, is a pro. Helpful, thoughtful, and ready to come back if it rains! 5 stars!!!"

Eduardo Bertran

"Very good experience every time I have dealt with One Two Tree. I use this company personally and for business (apartment rentals). Technicians and office personnel are very professional. I highly recommend them."

Keyla Quesada

"One Two Tree is the best in the business!! I've used them several times over the years for the removal of large trees as well as insect eradication. From the office staff to the crews out in the field, they are definitely on top of their game! Highly recommended!!"

Mike Vick

"Have you ever had a vendor or contractor you worked with that was so good that you were itching to recommend them whenever someone mentioned that line of work? Well, you are reading about one right now. Incredible professionalism and work ethic from top to bottom. Can’t recommend them enough."

John Falco

One Two Tree

Why Choose Us

Your home or business deserves the best. Here's why you should choose One Two Tree.

Satisfaction Guarantee

At One Two Tree, we don't stop until you're 100% satisfied with our work. 

30+ Years Experience

Proudly servicing South Florida homes and businesses since 1987.

Expert Technicians

Trust our professionally trained tree, lawn and pest control technicians. 

Where We Serve

Serving the Entire Miami-Dade County
Opa-Locka, Miami Lakes, Miami, Florida, Hialeah, Miami, Miami Shores, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura, Bal Harbour, Surfside, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Miami Springs, Doral, Coral Gables, Coral Terrace, Westchester, University Park, Pinecrest, South Miami, Glenvar Heights, Sunset, Florida, Kendale Lakes, Kendall West, The Hammocks, The Crossings, Three Lakes, Kendall, West Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Palmetto Estates, Richmond West, Cutler Bay, Homestead

Serving the Entire Broward County
Aventura, Bal Harbor, Bay Harbor Islands, Broward County, Coral Springs, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Indian Creek, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Miami Lakes, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, Miramar, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Southwest Ranches, Star Island, Sunny Isles, Tamarac, Weston

Scroll to Top