(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The recent infestation of a new species of whitefly, which has been attacking ficus trees and hedges across the county, has consumers looking for ways to control the insect and save their plants.  The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department wants consumers to use caution before signing contracts with any companies that promise to treat the problem with pesticides.

"Consumers should be wary of signing long-term contracts with companies and paying hundreds of dollars for them to spray their ficus trees and plants with pesticides, sometimes repeatedly over several months," said the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department Director Cathy Grimes Peel.  "We could see a situation where these companies are taking advantage of consumers and even using the wrong treatments for their plants.  Consumers should learn more about this pest and the recommended controls before they commit to a treatment program. "