Serious FICUS Hedge White Fly Infestation

From: Cheryl Jacobs [zyscovich]
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 11:51 AM
Subject: FICUS HEDGES LOSING LEAVES
Importance: High

Dear Board Members:

You might have noticed that our ficus hedges (as well as many along the
Venetian and throughout the county) have lost their leaves. It is because
of a serious ficus infestation of white fly throughout the county. Please
see below the information that is on the City of Miami's website. FYI, one
of the best natural ways of controling whitefly is ladybugs! We can buy
them online for about $20 and release them
(http://www.ehow.com/how_9373_release-ladybugs-garden.html) if we really
want to be green!!!

But in any event, we should not allow our landscapers to spray chemicals at
this point. I noticed that the lawn was sprayed and I hope they did not
also spray the bushes. Happy Thanksgiving. CJ


http://www.miamigov.com
http://www.miamigov.com/cms/comm/1724_4531.asp


Spotlight On...

Recommendations for the Whitefly Infestation NEW!

Ficus Trees and Fig Whitefly Info. NEW!

FL Dept. of Agriculture Pest Alert: Ficus Trees NEW!
Recommendations from City of Miami Regarding the Current Whitefly
Infestation
of Ficus Trees

For the next six months (until the end of April), the City of Miami is
recommending only natural controls for the current whitefly infestation of
ficus trees. After six months we will reevaluate the situation. Six months
will allow beneficial/predacious insects to control the whitefly population
We do not recommend spraying trees in urban areas as this will kill
beneficial insects, increase the likelihood of future infestations, and
endanger the public. This is consistent with recommendations from arborists
and agencies which we have consulted.

Public Works will not be issuing any tree removal permits for ficus trees
infested by whiteflies. This position is due to the likelihood of the
trees surviving the infestation. If a property owner(s) would like to
remove a dead infested tree, Public Works will proceed as per the Tree
Ordinance. As part of the removal application, Public Works will also
provide a list of recommended trees that will increase the variety of tree
species throughout the City and so that future infestations would be less
drastic.

For container plants and small hedges, we recommend an insecticidal soap
treatment which can be purchased at most garden centers. If community
members lose hedges, we recommend they replace them with native hedges such
as cocoplum or stoppers. For further information please contact your local
NETarea office, or the Public Works department at 305-416-1200.