Cotton is particularly susceptible if it is planted near infested trees. In Hawaii the hibiscus mealybug has not become an economically important pest, probably because it is regulated by several natural enemies. In Grenada the hibiscus mealybug infests cocoa, many types of fruit and vegetables, and ornamental plants, such as hibiscus, oleander, and croton. The worst effect has been on Grenada's forests, where entire trees have been killed and whole groves are under threat of extinction. Control Ways to control the hibiscus mealybug include the use of insecticides, cultural practices, and biological control.
Biological control is the best long-term solution.
A number of natural enemies are known, including the coccinellid predator Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and the parasite Anagyrus kamali . In Egypt and India, biological controls have been quite successful in controlling the hibiscus mealybug. Other coccinellid predators have also been reported in India. Check a status report on the biological control of pink mealybug.