Bug of the Week: Whiteflies
Sticky leaves and black mold on your plants? Whiteflies could be the cause. Learn how to spot and stop them in Tampa Bay.
Whiteflies in Florida: The Tiny Bugs Behind Sticky Leaves and Sooty Plants
If a puff of tiny white specks flies up every time you brush against a shrub, you've met whiteflies. They're one of the most common landscape pests in Tampa Bay, and while a few won't hurt much, a heavy infestation can leave your plants weak, sticky, and covered in black mold.
Whiteflies aren't true flies at all — they're closer relatives of scale insects and mealybugs. Here's how to spot them, what they do to your landscape, and when it's time to call in help.
What Exactly Is a Whitefly?
A whitefly is a tiny, soft-bodied insect covered in a fine white, waxy powder that gives it a dusty look. Adults are barely a sixteenth of an inch long, and you'll usually find them clustered on the undersides of leaves rather than out in the open. They feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking out the sap, which weakens the plant over time.
One of the most common species in Florida is the silverleaf whitefly, which can feed on hundreds of different plants. In warm weather, whiteflies can go from egg to adult in just three to four weeks, which is why populations can explode quickly if they go unnoticed.
Not Actually a Fly
Despite the name, whiteflies aren't related to house flies or fruit flies at all — they're more closely related to scale insects and mealybugs. If you've read our guide on types of flies in Florida homes, whiteflies are a good example of a bug that gets lumped in with true flies by name alone, even though their biology and treatment are completely different.
The Sticky, Sooty Side Effect
Honeydew
- What It Is
- A sticky, sugary liquid whiteflies release as they feed
- Where You'll See It
- On leaves, patio furniture, and cars parked under infested trees
Sooty Mold
- What It Is
- A black fungus that grows on top of the honeydew left behind
- Where You'll See It
- Coating leaves and branches, giving plants a dirty, blackened look
Rugose Spiraling Whitefly
- What It Is
- A whitefly species especially fond of palms, common in Florida landscapes
- Where You'll See It
- Spiral-shaped egg patterns on palm fronds and heavy honeydew drip below
Good news: Sooty mold itself doesn't directly damage the plant. But a thick coating can block sunlight from reaching the leaves, which weakens the plant further over time — so controlling the whiteflies causing it is still worth doing.
Signs You Have a Whitefly Problem
A cloud of tiny white insects flies up when you shake or brush a plant
Yellowing, curling, or wilting leaves despite normal watering
Black, sooty coating on leaves, patio furniture, or cars parked nearby
What to Do About Whiteflies
Check the Undersides
Flip a few leaves over and look closely for tiny white insects or waxy specks clustered on the surface.
Remove Heavily Infested Leaves
Pruning out the worst-affected leaves and debris can slow the spread while you plan next steps.
Get a Treatment Plan
A professional can recommend the right approach for the specific plants and whitefly species involved.
Keeping Whiteflies From Taking Over Your Landscape
- Inspect new plants closely before adding them to your yard
- Space out plantings so air can move freely between them
- Remove heavily infested leaves and yard debris promptly
- Water and fertilize properly, since stressed plants are more vulnerable
- Check susceptible plants like hibiscus and palms regularly for early signs
Struggling With Whiteflies in Your Yard?
InsectIQ has an entomologist on staff who can identify the species and get your landscape back on track.
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