The taxus mealybug is unusual in that it has only one generation per year. Other mealybugs have several generations and can build up rapidly. Nymphs and adults cluster together at favorable feeding sites. White, waxy filaments may cover entire colonies. A forceful insecticide spray containing a wetting agent is necessary for effective control.
Whiteflies are minute sucking insects which as adults resemble tiny white moths.
Houseplants, greenhouses, and some ornamental flowers and shrubs are susceptible to attack. Whiteflies often go unnoticed even when they occur in large numbers, because they congregate on the underside of the leaves. When the leaves are disturbed, the adults fly about, but they quickly settle again when the disturbance has passed. Their two pairs of broadly rounded wings are covered with a white waxy powder. Immature whiteflies go through an active crawler stage, but then settle down to feed.