Spiral Whitefly Natural Controls

Softscapes, Landscape for Living, recently released native ladybeetles, Delphastus cataliniae and native green lacewings, Chrsoperla carnea, and Chrysoperla rufilabris to feed on the highly invasive spiral whitefly which is causing great damage to both native and exotic trees and shrubs in South Florida. Pesticides kill both good and bad insects and affect our drinking water and health.

Ladybeetles are voracious predators and feed on whitefly, aphids, mites, insect eggs, scale and mealy bug. The release site should be thoroughly watered before releasing the ladybeetles in the evening.  Flowering plants that produce pollen are helpful. Ladybeetles will even eat honeydew. The results at Softscapes were amazing with ladybeetles going to work right away on the spiral whitefly.

Green lacewings are nocturnal predators feeding on whitefly, aphids, scale, and mealy bug The larval form are the aggressive predators. Eggs and adults are also available.

The spiral whitefly attacks many plants. Favorites include gumbo limbo, coconut palm, white bird of paradise, banana, and many others. I did notice that plants with fuzzy leaf undersides like silver buttonwood do not seem to be affected with this pest.

Softscapes is located at

19 SW 19^th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. The phone number is 954-463-7404.