Whiteflies have become a major issue in South Florida with at
least four species of particular concern: Ficus, Rugose
Spiraling, Bondar’s Nesting and Silverleaf. Residents have
noticed plant leaves 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.
This webpage was developed to provide accurate, unbiased and
research-based information to help residents, businesses and
governments find the correct answers and to sort through the
misinformation that can develop around major pest issues. The
Palm Beach Whitefly Task Force was established to address