Heavy populations can kill branches or entire plants. The name of this insect is derived from the mealy or waxy secretions that cover the body. Sometimes, mealybugs appear to resemble small pieces of cotton. Unlike scales, the adults and all immatures can move around on the plant. Like soft scales, mealybugs can produce honeydew.
Mealybugs can become very troublesome in greenhouses or on field-grown ornamentals.
Heavy infestations often result in disfiguration of the plant. Some species of mealybugs inject a toxin into the plant while feeding - this toxin causes the plant to drop buds and leaves. This insect can attack many ornamental plants that are grown in greenhouses. Light infestations are often overlooked because the mealybugs tend to wedge into crevices and cracks on the plant. However, light infestations can quickly develop into heavy infestations, and heavily-infested plants are often killed by this insect.