Common Plant Pests
Mealybug
Characteristics
These sap-feeding aphid relatives may occur on houseplants, shrubs, and trees. They have a white or gray mealy wax coating that prevents insecticides from penetrating. They feed in dense colonies that may be thick enough to form white, sticky clusters on stems and leaves.
They produce honeydew, which attracts ants and produces sooty mold. Ants protect mealybugs from their natural predators in order to maintain a supply of honeydew. Controlling the ants may allow natural predators to help you manage this pest.
Remedies
Horticultural oil
Hover fly/Syrphid fly
Insecticidal soap
Lady beetle
Hosts
Flowers (annuals, perennials)
Grape
Vegetables