Houseplants: Whole Plant

Mealybugs - Houseplants

Mealybugs are covered with a powdery wax and the body tapers towards the tail. They may have waxy tufts around the body margin and several tails at the rear end. Mealybugs may be found at rest or slowly crawling on the undersides of leaves, on stems in flowers or even on the outside of the pot. Cottony white wax is usually the first sign of their presence. Mealybugs damage plants by sucking say and their feeding can result in yellowing leaves, stunting, dieback or death of the plants. They secrete honeydew that supports the growth of black sooty mold.

Management: Check plants on a regular basis for the presence of mealybugs. Mealybugs that have been parasitized will be darker in color and exit holes may be visible where the parasite emerged. Dipping a cotton swab in household alcohol and dabbing it on the individual mealybugs can control light infestations. Mealybugs treated with alcohol will turn light brown in color. Be careful not to get the alcohol on the leaves of the plants as they may be damaged. For heavy infestations spray the plants thoroughly with insecticidal soap for houseplants or a registered houseplant spray. Be sure to follow all directions carefully and make sure that the plant and pest is on the label.

Keywords: mealybugs houseplant, mealybugs orchid, honeydew houseplant

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Photo Gallery

Mealybugs on coleus.

Mealybugs on cactus.

Mealybugs on potted cycad.

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