Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that belong to the family Pseudococcidae. They are notorious for infesting a wide variety of plants, both indoors and outdoors. These pests are covered with a white, powdery wax, which makes them easily recognizable. Mealybugs feed on plant juices, weakening the plant and causing leaves to yellow, wilt, or drop prematurely. In severe cases, they can stunt plant growth and even kill the plant. Additionally, mealybugs excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold, further damaging the plant’s health and appearance.

The life cycle of mealybugs consists of three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female mealybugs lay hundreds of eggs in a cotton-like sac, usually on the underside of leaves or in plant crevices. These eggs hatch into nymphs, also known as crawlers, which are mobile and spread to other parts of the plant. Nymphs go through several molts before reaching adulthood. The entire life cycle can take anywhere from a month to a few months, depending on environmental conditions. Understanding this cycle is crucial for effective control, as targeting the nymph stage is often the most successful strategy.