Hibiscus critters

[NickfromWI]

We just did a job for a guy and I pruned a Jacaranda (sp?) off a nice Hibiscus. The guy pointed out some small (maybe 1-3mm long) white flies or moths in masses of the bottom surfaces of some of the leaves. I had no clue as to what they were, if they were harmful, and a possible cure. They were on the bottoms of maybe 10% of the leaves scattered throughout the shrub.

Any ideas? He was a cool guy and I'd love to be able to get back to him about it.

love
nick

 

[Colin]

I got a hunch it could be these but I will say moths lay eggs that hatch into cterpillars etc ... so nail them!

Azalea Whitefly (151)–Adult whiteflies, resembling tiny white moths, have been detected on azalea on Long Island. Hosts of this insect include azalea, rhododendron, mountain laurel, and andromeda. Medium infestations may produce noticeable levels of honeydew and sooty mold. Heavy infestations can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. All stages feed on the undersides of leaves. If honeydew or damage are easily identifiable, spray the undersides of the leaves with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Predators and parasites are frequently effective in keeping these pests at low levels. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves from infected plants. If infestations are intolerable apply acephate (PT 1300 DS), bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, cyfluthrin, diazinon, dimethoate, endosulfan, fluvalinate, horticultural oil, imidacloprid, or malathion in early June to Mid-July (448-700 GDD50) and again at 1250-1500 GDD50 and at 2032-2150 GDD50.

 

[thattreeguy]

nick does it have a sticky web hanging from the bottom of the leaf.. la and oc have had huge whitefly problems in the past, most tropicals have been devestated.. i lived there for awhile and used SAFER insecticidal soap on them .. you can also use malathion. i had to wipe my plumeria down ever day with a rag and antibacterial soap in the water. the whitefly suck so bad.. i did a mullberry once and looked like santa clause when i was done.. not to mention having to wear a respirator while chipping . it was so bad we had to guide cars thru it was like a fog bank around the jobsite.have fun in so cal there are some fun trees there.. don't leave your gear visible it will dissapear quick.