Mealybug

Planococcus citri

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Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-5 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

Gardensgreenhousesindoor plantsorchards

Taxonomic Group

Bug

Order

Hemiptera

Family

Pseudococcidae

Lifecycle

Female mealybugs lay up to 600 eggs in a cottony, waxy sac, often in protected areas on the host plant. The eggs hatch in 1 to 2 weeks into mobile nymphs called crawlers. Female nymphs go through three instars, maturing into adults in about a month. Male nymphs go through two instars before entering a pupal stage within a cocoon, emerging as tiny, winged, non-feeding adults that live only for a few days to mate. The complete life cycle can take from one to three months depending on temperature and host plant. In outdoor conditions, there are typically two generations per year, but in greenhouses, as many as eight generations are possible.

Overwintering Strategy

Overwinters as eggs or nymphs in protected places, such as under bark, in branch crevices, or in the root zone of host plants.

Native Range

Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide

Attracted By

Citrusornamentalshouseplantssucculentscoleusfuchsiacactusdracaenahigh nitrogen levels in soilwarm and humid conditions

Repelled By

Marigoldsgarlicchivesrosemarythyme

Organic Control Methods

Organic control of mealybugs involves several strategies. Manual removal using a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol is effective for small infestations. A strong spray of water can dislodge them from plants. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and the mealybug destroyer beetle (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) provides excellent biological control. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can be sprayed, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves and in plant crevices where mealybugs hide. Controlling ant populations is also crucial, as ants protect mealybugs from predators in exchange for the honeydew they excrete.

Companion Planting

Companion planting can help deter mealybugs. Planting aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and chives around susceptible plants can help repel them. Marigolds are also known to deter a variety of pests, including mealybugs. Conversely, some plants can be used as traps to lure mealybugs away from more valuable crops.