Mealybugs are small, pale insects that cover themselves and their eggs with a white waxy material, making them look cottony. They suck plant sap, causing stunted growth and sometimes plant death. They also excrete honeydew. Mites are not insects but are more closely related to spiders. Since they are very small, plant damage is often the first sign of their presence.
Damage includes light-colored speckling on the upper surface of the leaf.
If the mites are unchecked, leaves become bronzed or yellowed and the plant dies. Early infestations can often be eliminated by handpicking or by washing the plants with an insecticidal soap solution. Since pests may be hidden or in the egg stage, it often takes more than one treatment to eliminate them. With a severe infestation, it may be best to discard the plant along with its soil. If the plant is valuable, a pesticide may be necessary.