2 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

3 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Attacks numerous house plants, some perennials and a few trees and shrubs.

Annual

• Begonia (Begonia sp.)
• Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
• Geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum)
• Wax Begonia, Fibrous Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)

Perennial

• Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
• Fernleaf Yarrow (Achillea filipendulina )

Tree

• Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli)
• Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

Mealybugs typically are coated with a white waxy substance that covers the insect. When plants are grown in very loose/porous soils, there are oftenmealybugs feeding on the roots as well as the above ground portions of the plant. Feeding damage can cause distortion of leaves and death of plants especially small herbaceous plants grown outdoors or as house plants. These insects can cause plants to feel sticky due to the honeydew they produce.

These insects usually feed on the underside of leaves, where leaves attach to stems, or at the base of whorled leaves as well as on plant roots. When the mealybugs congregate in masses, they cause the plant to look "cottony" in spots. In addition some of the "cottony" masses may be egg clusters.

Mealybugs are difficult to control, especially when they are feeding on plant roots. In addition the waxy coating on eggs and the insects help protect them from insecticides. If there are only a few on a houseplant, crush them or carefully wipe them off the plant. If theinfestation is severe, it is much easier to destroy the plant and get a new one. Also most mealy bugs get on house plants because the plants were taken outside for the summer or sometimes just for a day or two. Minimize mealy bugs on houseplants by NEVER taking the plants outside. Use suggested insecticides according to all label directions and precautions.

Outdoors on hawthorn, mealybugs are commonly more noticeable than harmful. Large infestations can cause leaves to turn brown and young stems to die. Usually, treatment is not needed because large infestations are uncommon.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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