Mealybugs
Scientific Name
Pseudococcidae
Description
Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects covered with a white, powdery wax that gives them a fuzzy appearance. They cluster in sheltered areas on plants, such as leaf axils and under stems, feeding on plant fluids and excreting honeydew.
Characteristics
Soft-bodied and oval-shaped, mealybugs are easily recognizable by their cotton-like coating. Their feeding weakens plants, promotes the growth of sooty mold, and may lead to distorted or yellowed foliage.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mealybug populations while preserving beneficial insects.
- Cultural practices: Practice crop rotation and remove severely infested plant parts to reduce breeding sites.
- Preventive methods: Ensure plants are well-maintained with proper watering and fertilization, and inspect them regularly to catch early infestations.
- Biological controls: Promote natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on mealybugs.
- Mechanical physical: Wipe off mealybugs with a damp cloth or spray them off with water, and use sticky traps to capture mobile stages.
Natural Enemies
- Ladybugs
- Lacewings
- Parasitic Wasps