These pests feed on plant juices in moist, warm climates found in greenhouses, southern US states, and subtropical regions. They can be winged or wingless and secrete a powdery layer to protect them while sucking juice from roots or fruit. Mealybugs love to attack mango, citrus, sugarcane, grape, pineapple, coffee, cassava, sunflowers, and papaya. They’re often protected by ant colonies, so use diatomaceous earth if you see a double infestation. Mealybugs can also be treated through the incorporation of ladybird larvae, which feed on mealybugs, or sprays of homemade dilutions of soap.
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