Florida Pest Management Association- Region 13 Highlights of October

Region 13 of the FPMA held their monthly meeting on October 11th. The highlights of the meeting are found here:

Faye Barron of DACs provides Region 13 members with CORE CEUs

To obtain more information on attending the scheduled meetings and CEU requirements contact Reynolds Pest Management, Inc. 772-337-2131.

Rugose Spiraling Whiteflies in Port Saint Lucie, Florida and Surrounding Areas

Residents in Port Saint Lucie, Florida and surrounding areas are becoming aware of the spiraling markings underneath leaves of many plants and trees. These white spiraling markings are left behind from female Rugose Spiraling Whiteflies. If you are noticing these markings and other white substance underneath your plants leaves, you’re dealing with a Rugose Spiraling Whitefly Infestation. This is not an easy pest and is unfortunately very common in Florida.

There are many species of the whitefly; however the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly has recently been introduced to Florida in 2009. This species of whiteflies is one of the largest in size and easily noticed. Florida is home to all the trees and plants the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly uses as hosts. Here are some of the trees they infest in South Florida:

• Gumbo Limbo
• Palm Trees
• Banana Trees
• Coconut Palms
• Mango Trees
• Black Olive Tree
• Cocoplum
• Cooperleaf

The Rugose Spiraling Whitefly is a slow moving and very passive species of the whiteflies. Earlier this year they were only a serious problem in South Florida, today St. Lucie County is dealing with severe infestations. They do not spread rapidly as pest management companies have explained. Due to the fact that the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly has only been found in Florida for less than 4 years, much of the research about their behaviors and biology are being studied by researchers.

Identify a Rugose Spiraling Whitefly Infestation

Anyone can identify a Rugose Spiraling Whitefly infestation. They leave behind distinctive markings. The markings that identify this species are the spiraling pattern underneath leaves. This patter is left behind by only females and it is really her eggs she is strategically placing. The female spiraling whitefly will coat her eggs in a natural sticky white substance that she produces. This substance serves as protection and securely adheres the eggs to the leave. Eventually the leaf may appear pale and white. White covered leaves are also a sure sign of a whitefly infestation.