With warmer temperatures soon approaching, we expect to see another resurgence of Whitefly attacking Ficus hedges and trees once again.  Whitefly populations tend to dramatically increase in the spring and summer months which leads to extensive infestation and rapid defoliation.  The conditions are becoming optimal for whitefly damage, and you should be proactive to protect your Ficus trees and hedges from severe injury.

Efforts have been made to introduce, monitor and protect natural predators such as beetles and parasitic wasps as they help control Whitefly populations.  Although they do serve a purpose in controlling active infestations, widespread spraying of hedges and trees with contact insecticides needs to be minimized to help protect these beneficial predators.  One way to accomplish this while combating the Whitefly problem is to implement an early treatment program using a systemic insecticide.

Use a Certified Pest Control Operator who can apply an approved systemic insecticide to the root system of the trees and hedges.  This control measure provides 4 to 8 months of sufficient protection depending on the size of the tree or hedge.  Contact insecticide sprays should be used to control localized infestations on an as needed basis.

Implementing this proactive program will allow you to protect your trees and hedges from infestation, leaf drop and stress while protecting the natural predators and allowing them to help control the Whitefly population in South Florida.  For more information on this cost effective solution call (561) 968-1045 or email us at gogreen@zimmermantreeservice.com.