Call: (561) 833-7375

Hibiscus Gall Midge

Call 561-833-7375 or fill out the form below to be contacted by one of our specialists!

Call Us
Contact Form

It’s never been easier to have reliable pest control. Call today to lock in your savings. Time is running out!

(561) 833-7375

Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:30am to 5:30pm EST
Saturday: 9:00am to 2:00pm EST

Contact Form

Call 561-833-7375 or fill out the form below to be contacted by one of our specialists!

Name(Required)
Address
By clicking submit, you are providing Go Island 2024 express consent to be contacted by SMS, possibly using automated technology to the number you provided. If at any time you wish to opt-out of communication, please reply “STOP” to cancel. Text “HELP” for help. Message frequency may vary. Message/data rates may apply. Submission of this form does not authorize the purchase of goods, services, or products. See the privacy policy/Terms and Conditions on the webpage.

Text Message Scheduling

Opt into our text messaging platform to begin your program that includes two FREE applications, and schedule with us today!

Looks like no phone capture form has been configured in Site Settings.

Overview of Hibiscus Gall Midge

The Hibiscus Gall Midge is a tiny pest that primarily affects hibiscus plants, causing premature bud drop. This midge can pose a serious threat to the health and appearance of hibiscus and orchids, especially in South Florida, where it thrives year-round.

Identification

Signs of a Hibiscus Gall Midge infestation include:

  • Yellowing flower buds
  • Tiny worm-like larvae inside the buds

How to Inspect:

  1. Pick a yellowing flower bud and open it carefully to check for larvae.
  2. Collect dropped flower buds in a sealed ziplock bag. After a couple of hours, inspect the bag for small larvae that may have exited the buds.

Environment

Hibiscus Gall Midge thrives in warm climates, with populations peaking during warmer months.

  • Egg Laying: Adult midges lay eggs at the open tips of young buds.
  • Feeding: Larvae feed on the buds before “jumping” several inches to the ground to pupate.
  • Pupation: Pupae live in moist soil for 14–21 days before emerging as adults to repeat the life cycle.

Threats

  • Primary Hosts: Hibiscus and orchids.
  • Damage: Causes premature bud drop, leading to reduced flowering and plant health.

Treatment

To effectively manage a Hibiscus Gall Midge infestation:

  • Systemic Pesticides: Use a systemic pesticide to kill larvae inside flower buds.
  • Soil Treatment: Treat the soil around the plant to kill larvae that burrow into the ground.
  • Sanitation: Remove yellowing flowers and dropped buds promptly to prevent larvae from entering the soil.