Spiraling Whiteflies

Signs of Infestation of Spiraling Whiteflies

The list of host plants for rugose spiraling whitefly is constantly growing. These pests don't appear to be host-specific. However, several species of plants seem to be favored. Coconut palms, white birds-of-paradise (giant birds-of-paradise), and Gumbo Limbo trees are the top three favorite hosts. Other common hosts include most palm species, avocado trees, oak trees, black olive trees, sea grape, and wax myrtle. As mentioned above, rugose spiraling whitefly doesn't appear to injure the plant like other whitefly species, but it does produce an unbelievable amount of honeydew. This insect produces so much honeydew your feet may stick to the ground below. There are reports of rugose spiraling whitefly from a single coconut tree in a parking lot coating all cars within 50 feet in honeydew. To make matters worse, sooty mold may also form on the honeydew creating a black ""sooty"" appearance on all surfaces below the tree. The adult whitefly resembles a small moth (3/32 inch) with a whiteish-yellow body and white mottled wings. Immature stages (eggs and nymphs) can be found primarily on the underside of the leaves. Rugose spiraling whitefly can be identified by the distinct ""spiraling"" pattern of their egg masses. In severe infestations, the entire underside of the leaves is coated in white egg masses and the pattern is less apparent. Rugose spiraling whitefly egg masses will also be found on nearby non-host plants and even concrete, especially if it is green in color! Monitor your landscape plants for early signs of an infestation because it is better to prevent infestations than it is to try to fix severe infestations. Honeydew and sooty mold may remain for months after the whiteflies are gone.