Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft, oval, segmented insects that are
usually covered with a white or gray mealy wax. This
waxy covering is similar to that produced by cottony
cushion scales. Colonies occur as white, sticky clusters
among leaves and fruit. Larvae are mobile. Don't confuse
mealybugs with woolly apple
aphids.
Life cycle
Damage
Mealybugs feed on stems and leaves of fruit trees and ornamentals and lower fruit quality by covering
it with wax or sticky honeydew upon which sooty mold grows.
Solutions
Mealybugs can be adequately controlled by natural
enemies, but may become a problem with frequent
applications of broad-spectrum insecticides, such as
carbaryl or pyrethroids. Manage
ants, which are attracted to honeydew
and inhibit the activities of natural enemies. Removal
of overwintering sites, such as loose bark, can reduce
mealybug numbers. Populations often drop in summer. Mealybugs
are sensitive to heat and their waxy coat protects them
from insecticides. Treatments are usually not justified
or effective on home fruit trees. |
Citrus mealybug |
Wax
covering plant |
Colony
of mealybugs |
Gill's mealybug |
|
