The sunshine state and swimming pools were made for each other. The backyard pool is an integral part of the Florida lifestyle.

Swimming pools have always required a certain amount of regular owner upkeep to maintain that sparkling, inviting appearance, not to mention healthy water quality. Recently, the task has gotten more difficult for south Florida homeowners with backyard pools. The arrival of spiraling whiteflies has created new challenges not only in protecting our vulnerable plants, but in maintaining water quality in our pools as well.

Though the first victim of spiraling whiteflies was initially the gumbo limbo tree, the list of preferred targets now reads like a catalog of native vegetation. Over 60 species — many of them iconic favorites of south Florida landscapes — have been added to the whitefly’s menu. Much of that landscaping adjoins or overhangs residential pools. The whitefly emits a sticky waste product called honeydew which floats on pool water, forming a mucous-like scum and encouraging the growth of black mold. It sticks to surfaces above the water line, like pool tile and decks. The presence of  honeydew floating on pool water detracts from the pleasure of the swimming experience. In addition, the potency of chlorine added to pools to maintain water quality is diminished by the copious amounts of honeydew in the water.

It’s a swimming pool issue that requires a pest control solution. An experienced pest control professional will use control methods proven to eliminate whitefly infestations that result in plant damage as well as pool pollution.

A comprehensive whitefly program will include soil drenching, direct spraying and tree trunk injections. Soil drenching provides systemic protection and incorporates proven, plant-safe chemicals in liquid, granular or tablet form. Direct injections into affected trees are also effective and provide even faster results. Spraying to physically rinse the whitefly infestation off plant surfaces is part of the standard protocol as well.

Haggerty Pest Service treats Broward, Palm Beach, and Saint Lucie counties with experienced, environmentally-sound methods. Ask us about treatment options to eliminate the damaging effect of whiteflies from your property and your pool water.

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