In the summer of 2007, the insect pest “ficus whitefly” entered the United States by way of the Port of Miami. It is a small winged insect that feeds on the undersides of leaves and strips ficus hedges and trees of their foliage. The insect has spread from Miami-Dade into Broward and infested Palm Beach County in the summer of 2008. Populations began to surge again in S. Florida during the summer of 2014. If left untreated, the whitefly can defoliate a ficus within a few weeks. If properly treated the plants will probably survive, but recovery of foliage may take 4-6 months.
IPM, Inc. has been treating ficus hedges and trees and has obtained excellent control of the insect. Our program is based on recommendations from the University of Florida and the chemicals we apply are used a rates recommended by the manufacturer. We have specialized equipment to service both residential and Association properties.
