Fruit that drops prematurely is inedible and unmarketable. This is a result of the mealybugs, in both the nymph and adult stages, sucking the juices of the plant and feeding on any tender young growth. Yellowing, withering and falling leaves, prematurely dropping fruit, and stunted plant growth may indicate the presence of the mealybug. They are more common in warm, moist climates but they seem to be able to flourish in greenhouses in all regions. Mealybugs can be found on potatoes, fruit crops, ornamental plants, citrus plants and tropical plants. Certain species of mealybugs are more prevalent in specific regions of the United States. Mealybugs can be found throughout North America. There can be several generations in a year, which can be particularly frustrating for greenhouses with infestations of mealybugs. They will develop into adults in about 1-2 months. The hatchlings are known as 'crawlers' because they crawl to a spot where they can feed and continue to mature. The female mealybug deposits her eggs in a cotton-like pouch and they hatch in a little over a week. In the citrus mealybug, the male is not necessary for reproduction, while in the long-tailed mealybug, the male is necessary for reproduction to take place. Mealybug nymphs look like an identical, much smaller version of the adults. Male mealybugs live only a short period of time and do not feed, they exist only to reproduce. The male mealybug is an extremely small insect having two wings. The secretion of this waxy material helps to protect their eggs and nymphs from the elements. Their bodies are covered with a waxy material. What's a Mealybug?Īdult female mealybugs have soft bodies which range from 1/10' to 1/4' in length. They can attack a wide range of plants and like to hide out in the sheltered nooks of plants, and can attack leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit.Prematurely dropping fruit and stunted plant growth may indicate the presence of the mealybug. Mealy bugs are sap sucking insects related to scale that can cause stunted growth or even death of plants. Consider introducing predatory ladybeetles, lacewings or wasps.If ants are present, you can apply a band of petroleum jelly on tree trunks to discourage ants and break the cycle.

Spray plant thoroughly with horticultural oil or soapy water to suffocate and kill the mealy bug.Gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove visible pests.For infestations, remove the most infected plant material and dispose in general rubbish bin.You can also dab methylated spirits directly onto the bugs with a cotton bud. For minor outbreaks, remove visible insects by hand or with a hose.Ants climbing into plants to harvest honeydew.A clear sticky substance (honeydew) on plant.Yellowing or discolouration on leaves and stems.They a gather together in clumps that look like balls of fluff, particularly in the leaf axils (where leaf meets stem) and on the underside of leaves. Mealybugs are small parasitic insects about 2-5mm long, covered in a white powdery or waxy coating. Present year-round, though infestations and spread more likely in warm, humid weather and in sheltered sites such as greenhouses.