How to identify
- White cottony masses in leaf crotches and on stems
- Sticky honeydew and sooty mold
- Slow-moving oval insects under the wax
Damage: Stunting, leaf drop, and sooty mold — especially in pots.
Control methods
- Dab small colonies with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Hose plants; isolate infested containers.
- Check new plants before bringing them home.
What products to use
We list product types and what to check on the label — not brand rankings, prices, or “we tested” claims. Always follow the label for your crop, and prefer the least disruptive option that works.
Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil
When: Colonies too large to swab
Look for: Labeled for mealybugs on the crop; repeat treatments for hidden nymphs