MEALYBUG IDENTIFICATION
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that take their name from the adult female's powdery, meal-like covering. The waxy, white females have wingless oval bodies with visible horizontal segments. Depending on the species, they grow up to 1/5 inch long. Long, waxy filaments may encircle their bodies or extend like tails. Though closely related to scale insects, mealybugs do not have a protective scale.
Immature mealybugs hatch from yellow-orange eggs laid within a protective, cotton-like mass. The nymphs, known as crawlers, range in color from yellowish-white to red. Similar in appearance to adults, the nymphs start excreting protective wax as soon as they start to feed. Adult male mealybugs — rarely seen — are small, winged pests with two long tail-like filaments.
SIGNS OF MEALYBUGS
Mealybugs can damage all plant parts, including roots. But most mealybug damage occurs when these pests pierce stems and leaves and suck vital juices from plants. Affected leaves may wilt, turn yellow or brown, then drop from the plant. Small branches and twigs may die back to the trunk or stem. Fruit-bearing plants may fail to fruit.
Mealybugs typically congregate in large numbers where leaves or branches connect to stems. Their honeydew excretions usually attract ants and often develop into black sooty mold. Many mealybug species reproduce without mating. Females can lay hundreds of eggs and have multiple generations per year. Populations soar in warm climates and indoors.HOW TO CONTROL MEALYBUGS
Effective mealybug control starts in spring with newly hatched nymphs, before they develop their protective wax coating. Honeydew-seeking ants are known to protect mealybugs, so treatments that also target ants improve results. Amdro brand offers several highly effective outdoor treatments to kill mealybugs and ants by contact and keep protecting your plants for up to three months:
- Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscape, available in ready-to-spray and concentrate liquid formulas, works in minutes to kill mealybugs and ants by contact. The ready-to-spray container attaches to a regular garden hose. Use the concentrate formula with a pump-style sprayer to treat lawns, trees, shrubs and flower gardens.
- Amdro Quick Kill Lawn Insect Killer Granules provides a simple way to treat mealybugs and ants at and below ground level. Apply the ready-to-use granules with a standard lawn spreader, then water the treated area lightly to release the active ingredient. The granules kill these targeted pests by contact within 24 hours.
- Amdro Quick Kill Insect Killer Granules for Home Perimeter offer a convenient way to treat smaller areas around your home's perimeter and foundation. Use the shaker container to apply the granules around your home. The deep-reaching formula penetrates mulch and straw to kill mealybugs and ants by contact.
MEALY BUG CONTROL TIPS
Mealybugs spread quickly in warm indoor environments. Move infested houseplants outdoors for spray treatments. Allow plants to dry thoroughly before moving them back indoors.
Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.
Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.
Pest Gallery
closeup of mealybug
soft focus mealybug on plant
mealybugs covering a tree branch
mealybugs with ants after honeydew
mealybugs in various life stages
male mealybug
mealybug infestation on hibiscus leaf
Is this not your insect?
