Controlling Mealybugs
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| Mealybugs are about 1/16". Large clumps resemble fuzz or lint. |
There are several species of mealybug in North America that pose problems for gardeners. Host plants include tree fruits such as citrus, apples, and peaches, grapes, potatoes, and a number of tropical plants, including houseplants.
These tiny insects appear in clusters on the undersides of leaves and clumped in the forks of twigs and branches where they suck plant juices. As they feed, some species inject toxins that damage plant tissues. They're oval in shape, with a grainy, dusty surface that is actually a protective waxy coating. Large clumps of mealybugs may resemble fur or lint. Symptoms of their presence include yellowing leaves and dark, dirty patches on leaves, which is actually sooty mold growing on the sweet mealybug excretion, or honeydew. In warm regions without freezing winters, mealybugs are present all year. In colder climates, there may be two to three generations per year. The pests overwinter as eggs in cottony egg sacs or tiny nymphs (the juvenile stage, commonly called crawlers).
Controls
- Treat affected plants with Botani-Wipes or Insect Control Spray.
- Small infestations can be controlled by spraying plants with a stiff stream of cold water.
- Natural enemies include the beneficial insects, including mealybug destroyers (ladybugs), lacewings and mealybug parasites (tiny wasps).
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