On 2014-07-21, the pest was incidentally found causing defoliation on Ficus benjamina and F. binnendijkii in Nicosia and Limassol districts. Affected plants were grown outdoors for ornamental purposes. The identity of the whitefly was confirmed by Fera (GB). It is noted that P. minei was widespread in the area of Nicosia in public greens and private gardens, as well as in the area of Limassol where it was recorded in a garden centre, public greens and private gardens. No phytosanitary measures were taken (EPPO 2014).