What's a Mealybug Look Like?

Mealybugs are tiny white bugs on houseplants, and most commonly look like white fuzzy stuff on plants leaves and stems. Mealybugs can also appear brown or cream colored, and waxy in immature stages. At first glance they don't look like insects, and are commonly mistaken for fungus or mildew rather than plant bugs.

How do I know if my plant has mealybugs?

Signs/Damage: Mealybugs weaken plants by sucking juices from plant stems and leaves. Damaged plants wilt, curl and discolor. Leaves may drop prematurely, and fruit may fail to form properly. Twigs and small branches may die back.

How do you get rid of mealybugs?

MEALYBUGS TREATMENT
  1. Dip cotton balls and swabs in alcohol and remove all visible mealybugs. ...
  2. Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water. ...
  3. Spray the whole plant, not only where mealybugs are visible. ...
  4. Repeat the treatment once or twice a week until the issue is gone.
Robert Thorne

Robert Thorne

Automotive & Future Transportation Editor

Robert Thorne covers electric vehicle innovations, autonomous driving systems, global mobility trends, and automotive engineering developments.