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Whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae)
Identification guide for South Florida homeowners.
What Are Whiteflies?
Whiteflies are tiny sap-feeding insects related to aphids and scale. In South Florida, invasive whiteflies have caused major problems for landscape plants. The ficus whitefly is known for causing ficus hedges to drop their leaves, and the rugose spiraling whitefly leaves white spiraling wax and sticky honeydew on palms and many ornamentals.
How to Identify Them
Turn over leaves and look for tiny white flies that flutter up when disturbed, plus flat, oval immature stages stuck to the leaf underside. Rugose spiraling whitefly leaves white, waxy spiral patterns on leaves. Sticky honeydew and black sooty mold on leaves, cars, patios and pool decks underneath are strong clues.
Similar problems:
- Scale insects and mealybugs: also produce honeydew and sooty mold.
- Ants on plants: often tending sap-feeding insects. See white-footed ant.
Life Cycle and Habits
Females lay eggs on leaf undersides. Immature stages settle and feed, then become winged adults. Warm weather allows continuous generations.
Signs of Whiteflies
- Ficus hedges thinning or dropping leaves
- White spirals of wax on palm and ornamental leaves
- Sticky honeydew on cars, furniture and pavers
- Black sooty mold on leaves
- Clouds of tiny white insects when plants are shaken
Is it dangerous?
Leaf drop, weakened plants, sticky honeydew and black sooty mold.
Prevention Tips
- Inspect new plants before planting.
- Avoid overfertilizing, which encourages tender growth.
- Hose off heavy honeydew and sooty mold.
- Protect beneficial insects, which help control whiteflies.
About Lawn and Plant Treatment
Pro-Spray's service covers pests in and around your home, not lawn or plant treatment. For turf or plant damage, contact a licensed lawn and ornamental provider or your UF/IFAS county Extension office, which can help confirm the cause and recommend options for your yard.
Ficus Hedges: The Classic South Florida Problem
Ficus hedges are everywhere in South Florida, used for privacy along property lines, pool areas and driveways. When ficus whitefly arrived in the area, many homeowners watched their hedges suddenly drop leaves and turn into bare sticks. The good news is that hedges often leaf back out once the whiteflies are controlled, as long as the plants are otherwise healthy. Look for tiny white insects on the undersides of leaves, yellowing leaves and leaf drop that starts at the top or one section of the hedge.
Rugose Spiraling Whitefly on Palms and Ornamentals
The rugose spiraling whitefly feeds on a wide range of plants, including coconut palms, gumbo limbo, black olive, sea grape, avocado, mango and many shrubs. Its white spiraling wax patterns and heavy honeydew make it easy to spot. The honeydew drips onto cars, patio furniture, pool decks and pavers below, and black sooty mold grows on it. While heavy infestations look alarming, many established trees tolerate them.
Natural Enemies Help
Tiny parasitic wasps and predatory beetles feed on whiteflies and can bring populations down over time. Broad-spectrum sprays can kill these helpful insects, which is why plant professionals often favor targeted approaches.
Cleaning Up Honeydew and Sooty Mold
Hose down cars, furniture and pavers often. Sooty mold on leaves usually washes off or flakes away once the honeydew source is controlled.
If you're replacing a hedge, ask a local nursery about plant choices less prone to whitefly problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my ficus hedge losing leaves?
What's the black stuff on my palm leaves?
Why is my car sticky under the tree?
Will my hedge recover?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
Protect your home today.
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