How to Control Pests on Weeping Figs
Your beautiful weeping fig tree with its great height and far-reaching canopy of drooping branches becomes less than attractive when pests invade. Though weeping fig trees are known for their resistance to problems such as pests and diseases, they are not immune. When left untreated, pest infestations may lead to a disfigured tree in decline. Fortunately, the primary pests of your elegant tree will cause little harm when the problem is caught early and treated.
Inspect your tree closely. Look for any changes or abnormalities mainly on leaves where weeping fig pests feed. Identify the type of pest infestation affecting your tree before moving forward with treatment.
Identify a weeping fig thrip infestation on your tree by searching for dark brown to black pests which measure just under one-seventh of an inch in length. Look for curled or folded leaves as well as the presence of swollen growths or red-purple spots on the undersides of leaves.
Whiteflies can infest your tree. Examine your tree's leaves for yellowing, premature dropping, the appearance of tiny white-yellow flies and the presence of whitish specks on the undersides of leaves. Tap the leaves gently; if your tree is experiencing a whitefly infestation, the pests will take flight and are easy to see with the naked eye.
Inspect leaves and twigs for dark brown bumps with a slimy appearance as verification of a fig scale infestation. Search for these tiny pests which resemble an oyster shell are and typically stationary; look also for scarred, bumpy plant tissue which results from their feeding.
Remove and destroy affected plant parts for any type of infestation. Cover your hands with gloves and pull leaves or carefully cut infected plant parts with pruning shears.
Control thrips while leaves are still young and expanding in order to prevent serious damage. Release natural enemies, such as green lacewings or lady beetles as a biological method. Contact a professional for assistance in applying an insecticide such as neonicotinoid insecticides or acephate if your tree is experiencing a severe infestation.
Control whiteflies naturally with the release of natural enemies such as parasitic wasps. Saturate the undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap once every week until the problem subsides for a more intense form of management. Contact a professional for the application of insecticides such as cyfluthrin or bifenthrin in extreme cases.
Control fig scale on your weeping fig tree by releasing natural enemies such as parasitic wasps. Employ chemical control through the use of narrow range oil during the dormant season, according to the University of California IPM Online.
- Gardening gloves
- Pruning shears
- Natural enemies
- Protective clothing
- Always wear protective clothing, goggles and gardening gloves when working with or observing the use of chemicals such as insecticides to avoid accidental injury.
- Provide your tree with optimal care as healthy plants have a greater ability to avoid and recover from pest infestations than unhealthy plants. Grow weeping fig trees (Ficus benjamina) in areas that offer full to partial sun exposure for best growth. Maintain moist, well-drained soil as waterlogged conditions diminish plant health. Grow weeping fig trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10b to 11 for best development.
- University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension: Weeping Fig Thrips (Gynaikothrips Uzeli)
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: The Fig Whitefly – A New Pest in South Florida
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Weeping Fig
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources IPM Online: Fig Scale
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images