Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly: Identification and Control

The "cotton candy" coating on a gumbo limbo is identified as the Gumbo Limbo Spiraling Whitefly, a relatively new Florida pest. Whiteflies (Hemiptera) suck sap from leaf undersides, causing wilting, yellowing, stunting, leaf drop, and death.

Host Range

Reported on: gumbo limbo, Calophyllum, black olive, copperleaf, broadleaf arrowhead, cocoplum, Brazilian pepper, wax myrtle, live oak, mango, and multiple palms (areca, Veitchia, coconut).

Symptoms

• Abundant white waxy material on leaves.
• Excessive sooty mold (on honeydew).
• Plant decline, defoliation, branch dieback.

Control Options

1. Foliar spray: Orthene (acephate)—wet both leaf sides and branches. Repeat in 10 days, 3 total treatments (eggs survive first sprays).
2. Systemic soil drench: Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control (imidacloprid)—roots translocate to leaves; season-long protection. Best if no sprayer or tree too tall.

Check local garden centers for products. Bayer product link.

Expert insight provided by Steve.