Mealybugs
Mealybugs are scale-like insects with a white, waxy protective covering that makes infested plants appear to be covered in cotton. These pests are tiny – from 1/32 to 1/8 inch long – but are very hard to control because of the wax-like threads they cover themselves with.
Damage
Mealybugs damage plants by sucking sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, galls and dieback. They also excrete honeydew that attracts Wasps, Ants and Bees and can serve as a medium on which Sooty Mold can grow. Immature Mealybugs are very active, moving all around a plant looking for an optimal feeding spot. As they mature, they become more inactive, moving around very little.
Location
Mealybugs are found throughout the United States and are a common pest of houseplants.
Similar or Related Pests
Mealy Bugs, Tea Scale, Magnolia Scale, Woolly Adelgid and Woolly Apple Scale
Cultural Solutions
- Cleaning houseplants plants with cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol can help control mealy bugs.
- A strong spray of water can also reduce numbers.
All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate-64 oz. Concentrate
All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate-64 oz. Concentrate
- Fertilizer - Promotes strong roots and beautiful blooms
- Insect Control - Japanese Beetles (adult), Aphids and other listed pests
- Disease Control - Black Spot, Powdery Mildew, Rust and Southern Blight
3-In-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control-32 oz. Concentrate
3-In-1 Insect, Disease & Mite Control-32 oz. Concentrate
- Kills and controls listed insect pests
- Cures and prevents listed fungal disease
- Controls Spider Mites
Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer-15.7 oz Continuous Spray
Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer-15.7 oz Continuous Spray
- Kills listed insects by contact PLUS protects against listed pests up to 30 days
- Great for houseplants
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrate-1 Gallon Concentrate
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Concentrate-1 Gallon Concentrate
- Kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to 12 months
- Plus provides slow-release fertilizer
- Kills devastating pests like Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Borers, Leafminers, Japanese Beetles (adult) and many others
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II Concentrate-32 oz. Concentrate
12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II Concentrate-32 oz. Concentrate
- Kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to 12 months
- Slow-release feeding improves plant health
- Kills Japanese Beetles (adult), Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Leafminers and Fall Webworms
Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control-32 oz. Concentrate
Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control-32 oz. Concentrate
- Kills Asian Citrus Psyllids and prevents new infestations
- Also kills other listed pests like Aphids and Whiteflies
- Treats up to 640 sq. ft. of vegetables OR up to 9 fruit trees¹
¹Assuming canopy width of 10 feet. Source Hungrypests.com.
