mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects in the family Pseudococcidae. They are characterized by a white, waxy coating and often a cottony wax filaments that obscure their bodies. Adults are typically oval or elongated, a few millimeters long, and may vary in color from pale pink to brown, but are usually concealed beneath wax. They are common on a range of ornamental plants and crops, especially in warm, humid environments and in greenhouses or indoor settings.

Mealybugs feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking sap, which can stunt growth, cause yellowing, leaf curling, and general decline in plant vigor. They excrete honeydew, a sugary waste product that promotes sooty mold and can attract ants. Eggs are produced in white, cottony ovisacs, with females laying many eggs. Development includes several nymphal instars. Some species reproduce sexually, while others can reproduce by parthenogenesis.

Common species include the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus). Mealybugs are widespread in warm climates and are frequent pests of citrus, grapes, vegetables, and ornamental plants, as well as indoor houseplants. They can be difficult to control due to hidden locations and waxy coverings.

Management relies on integrated pest management. Regular inspection and quarantine of new plants help prevent introductions. Physical controls include removing infested tissue and wiping insects with alcohol. Biological controls such as parasitoid wasps (Anagyrus spp.) and the mealybug destroyer beetle (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) can reduce populations. Chemical options include horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and, in some cases, systemic insecticides. Reducing plant stress and avoiding excessive fertilization also help limit outbreaks.