Outdoor Pests of a Weeping Ficus

Types

Weeping ficus trees are susceptible to infestations of thrips, which are very tiny, winged insects. Thrips are 1/5 inches in length and light colored. These tiny pests feed on the foliage of host plants, causing feeding injuries. Thrips can also carry viruses that can be transmitted to host plants through feeding. Mealybugs are another common pest of weeping ficus. These are oval-shaped insects covered in a waxy coating that looks similar to ground meal, which gave the insect its name. Mealybugs are most active when the weather conditions are warm and dry.

Weeping ficus trees infested with thrips often develop silver streaks in the foliage and leaves may become twisted. Heavy infestations of thrips cause leaves to turn brown, and black fecal matter may be visible on foliage. Mealybugs damage weeping ficus leaves by feeding on the foliage, removing plant sap. Feeding may cause leaves to appear stippled or speckled, and sooty mold fungi may be present on foliage. Sooty mold is caused by the mealybug's production of a sticky liquid known as honeydew, which occurs after feeding on plant sap. Honeydew is very sticky and after landing on plant leaves, sooty mold fungi adhere to it. Sooty mold is not harmful, but it is unattractive.

Keeping your weeping ficus well watered is one way to prevent thrip damage. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, thrips are attracted to weeping ficus trees that are dry. Mealybugs may be controlled by spraying your tree with a brisk stream of water several times each week. This knocks mealybugs from the plant, keeping their population low. Light infestations of mealybugs may be removed from your plant by placing a cotton ball soaked in alcohol on the insect.

Heavy infestations of mealybugs and thrips may require insecticidal soap applications for control. These soaps are nontoxic and work by suffocating the insects. Insecticidal soaps must coat the insect, so be sure to apply it thoroughly. Horticultural oils are another chemical control method used to treat thrips and mealybugs. Oil products are safe for beneficial insects and are safe for most plants. Be sure to follow all directions on the product label for best results, as some plants may be sensitive to horticultural oils. Stronger insecticides are also available for control of mealybugs and thrips. Applying an insecticide with the active ingredient abamectin or acephate may provide insect control.