Mealybugs may be small, but these insects are still a nuisance, all year round. They are often found targeting orchids, succulents, citrus plants, and many other plants grown indoors (including in greenhouses). Some species can also infest plants outdoors, especially in warmer climates.
Like aphids, mealybugs feed on sap. This weakens the plants and can cause them to lose their leaves, says Joanna Turner, Owner of Fiddle & Thorn. They also excrete honeydew, explains the gardening experts at Two Wests & Elliot Ltd – a sticky substance that encourages the growth of unsightly sooty mold. Some species of mealybugs feed on plant roots, too.
