Mealybugs

Also known as: Various Pseudococcidae species

Identification

White, cottony, waxy-coated soft-bodied insects, 2-5mm. Found in leaf axils, stem joints, and root zones. Waxy filaments extend from body edges.

Damage

Sucking — feed on phloem, excrete honeydew, cause stunting, yellowing, and sooty mold

Best Organic Solutions (Ranked)

Solutions ranked by reliability tier — start with Tier A options.

Insecticidal Soap Tier A

Penetrates waxy coating — repeat every 7 days

Neem Oil Tier A

Dissolves wax + IGR action

Horticultural Oil Tier A

Smothers through wax coating

Biological Controls

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (mealybug destroyer beetle), Leptomastix dactylopii (parasitic wasp)

Prevention

Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks. Inspect leaf axils and stem joints. Rubbing alcohol on cotton swab for individual mealybugs on houseplants.

Common Mistake

Giving up too soon — mealybug waxy coating protects eggs and crawlers. Three treatments at 7-day intervals minimum to break the lifecycle.