Field Identification
Oval, wax-coated sucking insects that colonize leaf axils, fruit clusters, and bark, producing honeydew and sooty mold. Ants often tend them and protect them from predators.
Pinkish body under white mealy wax; filaments along the margin; crawlers spread to new growth.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Exclude ants with sticky barriers or tanglefoot on trunks; inspect nursery stock.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri lady beetle and parasitoids such as Anagyrus spp. are effective if ants are controlled.
Prune crowded interior branches to improve spray penetration and predator access.
Scrub localized colonies with alcohol swab or toothbrush on small trees.
Insecticidal soap or neem plus thorough coverage into crevices; repeat to catch crawlers.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
- Parasitic Wasps
- Lacewings
Threat Map