Pasture Mealybugs
The pasture mealybug is a small, white, oval-shaped insect that feeds on multiple grasses, including forages, row crops like sugarcane and corn, and turf. Adults are fuzzy and fluffy-looking, around ~ 1/16 to ~3/16 inch (thickness of one to three pennies stacked). Nymphs are much smaller, about 1/64 inch, of creamy-white color, and are the most active feeders.
Pasture mealybugs eat plant sap found in blades of grass, sugarcane and other grass crops. They can also dig into the soil to feed on roots, and they often survive cold winters underground. Their appetite can damage crops and lead to widespread die-offs of entire pastures or fields.
Did you find pasture mealybugs? If so, please contact us.
Join us for the upcoming webinar: "Understanding Pasture Mealybug: Science, Management & What We Know So Far"
Date: Friday, July 17th, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. EST
Location: Online via Zoom https://ufl.zoom.us/j/97806711502
Registration: Not required
This timely webinar will provide an essential update on the emerging pasture mealybug issue, including its biology, identification, management strategies, and currently available insecticide options. Experts will share the latest information and discuss what researchers and industry professionals know so far about this important pest.
Products to Consider for the Control of Pasture Mealybug
