Like to feed on soft tissues of plants. Congregate in masses on stems, branches and leaves and wrap themselves in sticky white cotton-like mass that repels water and insecticides. Honeydew excreted by mealybugs attracts ants and promotes sooty mold. Root mealybugs attack root systems. As mealybugs suck sap, plant loses vigor.
Severe attack can result in leaf fall.
Outdoors, green lacewings, ladybugs, titmice, mockingbirds and turtles feed on mealybugs, and horticultural oils help smother young. Severe infestations need systemic insecticide. For root mealybugs, wash soil and pests from roots, cut away damaged parts, repot in fresh potting soil, or drench pot mixture with insecticide.