As you look up into the tree, you will notice great masses of white cottony looking insects. They will be glistening with large amounts of honeydew just ready to fall on your head, car, or whatever else lies beneath. To control this new pest, you must be persistent. The cottony shield, as well as the large amount of honeydew, effectively protects these insects from contact with insecticides. Most people have found sprays containing cyfluthrin concentrate, to be effective when sprayed 3 times at 10-day to 2-week intervals. Be aware, while the insects will die, it will take some time for the cottony looking masses to disappear. You can help the process by squirting water on the trees with a high pressure nozzle to wash away the mess.

Come on in and we'll be happy to show you how to control this problem.

By Tamara Galbraith

The giant whitefly, also known as Aleurodicus dugesii, packed its bags in its native Mexico and has been advancing like a tireless army into the western and southern U.S. First discovered in San Diego County in 1992, the giant whitefly is now found in Southern California, plus parts of Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. It has also been a problem for Hawaiian residents in the recent past.

As you might guess, the giant whitefly gets its name from being a somewhat larger version of the common whitefly. Adults have highly patterned wings that are positioned in a tent-like fashion over the body. Its calling card, however, is the sticky, white, cotton candy-like mess it deposits on leaves, giving the leaves an almost bearded look. Eggs are often laid amongst these waxy deposits.

Unfortunately, giant whiteflies can also make a mess of the health of your plants. Just as with regular whiteflies, they can literally suck the life out of your plants. Giant whiteflies are especially attracted to hisbiscus, banana, mulberry, certain varieties of citrus and avocado trees and even vegetables.

Ladybugs love to munch on whitefly eggs, so releasing them will help, as will treatments of insecticidal soap. Good blasts of water are especially good.

Scientists continue to make progress with parasitic wasp studies for commercial growers in affected regions. These studies involve the use of tiny wasps that actually lay their eggs right in the whitefly. As the wasp larvae hatch, they feed on the whitefly, killing it...which is pretty much of a fitting end for these nasty pests!