Department of Agriculture – Whitefly Response & Community Advisory
Grand Cayman, 30 April 2026 — The Department of Agriculture (DoA), under the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (MPLAHI), is actively responding to a significant increase in reports of spiral whitefly infestations across Grand Cayman. Since the start of the recent surge, over 300 service requests have been logged, with new reports continuing daily.
Spiral whitefly is a plant pest known for its distinctive spiral egg patterns on leaves and the production of white wax and honeydew, which can lead to black sooty mold. It commonly affects coconut palms, banana, plantain, and a range of ornamental plants.
Due to the scale of the outbreak and the high volume of requests, the Department advises that while all reports are being recorded, response times may be delayed. The Department currently operates with limited spray teams working to service both residential and commercial properties across the island.
Director of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Wilbur Welcome, said: “We understand the concern within the community and want to assure the public that every request is important to us,”. “However, given our current capacity, we are asking for patience and cooperation as we work through this list.” We are asking the public to support the national response by undertaking immediate action where possible, using approved products and proper protective measures. This collective effort will significantly improve our ability to manage the spread.”
Recommended treatment options include the use of approved products such as Imidacloprid, Actara, Codigo, Conserve, or safer soap solutions. These are available through the Department’s Sales Office and local agricultural suppliers. Alternatively, private pest control services may be engaged.
The Department also emphasized the importance of correct pest identification. Spiral whitefly is often confused with mealybugs, scale insects, and leafhoppers, which require different management approaches. The defining feature of spiral whitefly is the visible spiral pattern of eggs on leaves.
Additionally, the Department reminds the public that pesticide applications will only be conducted with the consent of property owners. Reports submitted on behalf of others without permission cannot be actioned.
The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation closely and is committed to mitigating the spread through coordinated response efforts and public cooperation.
The public is urged to remain vigilant, take proactive measures, and follow all safety guidelines, including the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying treatments.
Photos of the Spiral Whitefly and the proper PPE equipment to use.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Telephone: (345) 244-2412
Email: PublicRelations.PLAHI@gov.ky
About the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI)
Led by Hon. Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, PLAHI delivers the policies and frontline services that shape Cayman’s built environment and quality of life, spanning development planning and regulation, lands administration, agriculture and biosecurity, housing, and national infrastructure and transport. Working with agencies including Planning, Lands & Survey, Agriculture, NHDT, PWD, NRA, DVDL and the PTU, the Ministry is committed to safety, customer-centered service, transparency and value for money, empowering Caymanians for today, tomorrow and future generations.
About the Department of Agriculture (DoA):
The Department of Agriculture aims to foster sustainable agricultural production, enhancing self-sufficiency and food security in the Cayman Islands. The Department extends a range of services, from agronomical to veterinary, and wholly supports the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure in implementing its policies and strategies.
