Mealybug

(Please Note: Further information on mealybug will be available for download shortly)

Mealybug are a common pest of many different plants, both in home gardens as well as commercial horticulture. Controlling them with sprays can be very difficult as they tend to hide in amongst tight areas of foliage.

In home gardens, they are very common on indoor plants, ferns, orchids, clivia and many other ornamentals. They excrete 'honeydew' as they feed, which is a sticky, sugary solution that leads to moulds and unsightly damage to plants.

There are two options for control. The first is Cryptolaemus, which is a ladybird predator, and is the preferred control option for covered areas (such as pergolas) and indoor plants. It is very effective against mealybug, as well as some soft scales.

Click here for more information on Cryptolaemus

The second option for more exposed and open parts of the garden is Green Lacewings. They are more likely to stay close to the plants they are released on, and are also effective at controlling other common pests such as aphids, whitefly and mites.

Click here for more information on Green Lacewings

 

If you would like any further information, please send your questions to questions@bugcentral.com.au