Some different types of mealybug include Citrophilous mealybug (Pseudococcus calciolariae), Longtailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) and citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri).
Female mealybugs are oval shaped, less than 5mm long and have a white wax coating. Males are tiny winged insects that don’t feed.
Mealy bugs are sap suckers and target many types of indoor and outdoor ornamentals as well as fruit and vegetable crops. They love the sheltered spots at the base of stems or where leaves and fruit overlap or touch.
Their sap sucking can cause wilting and distortion of new leaves.
They exude a honeydew which promotes unsightly sooty mould and encourages ants who basically farm the mealybugs, protecting them from predators and parasites to ensure supply of the honeydew.
To prevent mealybugs, prune dense foliage to minimise feeding sites and prevent ants from climbing trees with a banding of horticultural glue.
Encourage lacewings and ladybirds as the mealybugs natural enemies but you can also buy commercially the Cryptolaemus beetle to predate on your pest issues.
Controlling this pest once found can be done by heavily pruning infested foliage and disposing of in a plastic bag. Clean snips before using on other plants. Using a cloth to wipe away bugs from stems. Applying an insecticide like acetamiprid, imidacloprid, petroleum oils or potassium salts can help . Always follow label instructions, particularly if treating edibles.