Several species of mealybugs pose problems for gardeners across North America. Host plants include citrus, apples, 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.
In regions without freezing winters, mealybugs are present year round. In colder climates, there may be two to three generations per year. The pests overwinter as eggs in cottony egg sacs or as tiny nymphs (the juvenile stage, commonly called crawlers).
Control
Controls include insecticidal soap and horticultural oil. Natural enemies include the mealybug destroyer (a kind of ladybug), lacewings and the mealybug parasite (a tiny wasp).
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