Hibiscus Infestation

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug

• The Pink Hibiscus mealybug was first noticed in 2002. It is a serious pest of ornamental and agricultural plants in 300 species. The insects are small; females are wingless with a waxy coating while males are winged and produce two waxy tails. They are sucking insects whose feeding activities will cause Hibiscus foliage to curl and terminal growth to become stunted and bunchy. The pests can travel on the wind to infest other plants, so control is crucial. Horticultural soaps and oils are nontoxic alternatives to control Pink Hibiscus mealybugs.

Hibiscus Midge

• If you spot tiny flylike insects surrounding your Hibiscus you have an infestation of Hibiscus midges. The insects lay their eggs on developing buds and when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed off the tender plant material. Flower buds will drop off without ever getting a chance to open and, in severe cases, the foliage of the plant will yellow and fall. The larvae, seen inside the buds, resemble tiny yellow threads. Use a synthetic pyrethroid for midge control.

Aphids and Soft Scale

• Aphids come in many colors and are sucking pests on Hibiscus and many other plants. They prefer the young buds and new leaves, and cause leaf drop. Soft scale are not armored and have limited damage potential unless a bush is infested. Both aphids and soft scale in high populations can severely reduce the vigor of a Hibiscus, causing it to fail to bloom and perform. Scrape scales off the stems and rinse aphids off buds and leaves. If more control is needed, use an insecticidal soap.

Giant Whiteflies

• Giant Whiteflies are a particular pest of Hibiscus and other ornamental plants. They are also sucking insects that feed on the sap of bushes. Their excrement is called honeydew and can cause leaves to develop sooty mold. Adults are .19 inch long and their nymphs drag a 2-inch beard of waxy material along behind them. Adult feeding patterns leave waxy swirls on the leaves of the Hibiscus. This species is primarily confined to Southern California, but common whiteflies can be a problem in other areas. Leaves will yellow, dry up and fall off. Remove leaves with egg casings on the underside and spray with a neem oil to repel the pests.