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These biting insects hide under white mounds that are similar to flour or meal, hence the origin of their name. They are found especially on inside plants where they can be a real curse.
The symptoms
The small pure white mounds with a velvety texture appear in crevices on the stem or at the base of leaves. Over time, these mounds multiply and proliferate on the young shoots. The plant will quickly loose its vigour. Its leaves will fall prematurely, its growth is slowed and the young leaves become deformed from the bites of the insect.
Lifecycle
The mealy bug is a very prolific insect. When the weather is hot, there is only a month between successive generations. The females are full of eggs, which soon become little mealy bugs, which grow very quick by sucking the sap from the plant. The insects are covered in waxy secretions, which give them a cotton wool like appearance and provide them with a certain level of protection.
How to fight them
You must not let these insects install themselves otherwise, you will quickly see them multiply and get the upper hand. This pest is particularly tough and it is unlikely that you will succeed in eradicating it in one go. If there are, only a few insects then destroy them with a cotton bud soaked in alcohol. If this does not work spray, the plant with a pyrethrum based insecticide. Be on guard and repeat as soon as the mealy bugs reappear. It is a long struggle!
How to avoid them
Certain plants are more susceptible to this pest than others. They are often found on cactacea, grasses (or succulent plants) as well as ferns but all plants are prone to harbouring them. Put all susceptible new plants into quarantine. A dry atmosphere if favourable to the installation of this parasite: regular spraying of the plants foliage (for those that can tolerate it) will reduce the risk.
Good to know
Plants that are put outside are more likely to attract a few of the natural predators of the mealy bug, which will help control their population. Ladybirds for example can rid a plant of mealy bugs especially after a good downpour when the pests are effectively naked! - Photos (1)
Mealy bugs
Mealy bugs
Author: Jean-Michel Groult
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