Ficus Whitefly

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Ficus whitefly (Singhiella simplex), also called fig whitefly, is an invasive pest of most Ficus species grown in urban landscapes throughout Florida and Southern California. A native of southeastern Asia, ficus whitefly was first detected in Florida in 2007 and in California in 2012. If not managed, this insect can cause severe defoliation and plant death.