How to Control Mealybug in Your Lawn

What are Mealybugs? 

Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to your lawn if left unchecked. They are typically white or pale pink and have a distinctive, cotton-like waxy coating that protects their soft bodies. This coating often makes them appear as tiny, fluffy spots on grass blades, which can be easily overlooked until the infestation becomes severe.

In Australia, mealybugs are not as common as other lawn pests, but they are still a concern, especially in warmer, humid climates. They thrive in conditions where moisture and organic material are abundant, making lawns in coastal or subtropical regions particularly susceptible.

Learn more about common lawn pests in Australian gardens here. 

What is the Lifecycle of Mealybugs? 

Mealybugs undergo a simple life cycle consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The females lay eggs in clusters, often hidden within the waxy material they secrete. These eggs hatch into nymphs, which are smaller and more mobile than adults. The nymphs move around the lawn, feeding on plant sap and gradually growing larger as they moult. Adult females typically remain stationary, continuing to feed and reproduce.

The entire life cycle of a mealybug can be completed in a few weeks, depending on environmental conditions. This rapid reproduction rate means that a small problem can quickly become a major infestation if not addressed.

How to Identify a Mealybug Infestation

The first signs of a mealybug infestation are usually yellowing patches of grass that appear weak or stressed. Upon closer inspection, you might notice the tiny white insects clustered around the base of grass blades, particularly in shaded or moist areas of the lawn. If you see ants in these areas, they could also be an indicator of mealybugs, as ants are attracted to the honeydew that mealybugs produce.

The honeydew secretion can also foster the growth of sooty mould.

How to Control Mealybugs with Insecticides

When dealing with a mealybug infestation, chemical control is often the most effective method. Several insecticides are rated for the control of mealybugs, including:

1. Imidacloprid: A systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the grass and taken up by the mealybugs when they feed. It is highly effective and provides long-lasting control.
2. Chlorpyrifos: A contact insecticide that kills mealybugs on contact. It is best used when infestations are detected early.
3. Bifenthrin: Another contact insecticide that also has some residual activity. It can be applied as a foliar spray to target both nymphs and adults.

Rumbler is an insecticide that contains Bifenthrin as the active ingredient, and is registered for the control of Mealybugs amongst other common pests.

When to Apply Insecticides? 

Insecticides like Rumbler are diluted into a medium like water and sprayed out over the lawn at between 12-44mL per 100sq.m. Apply liberally at the first sign of an outbreak, and then monitor the populations for the next seven to ten days. If the infestation persists, reapply after one week.

How Long do Insecticides Take to Work? 

The efficacy of an insecticide will be dictated by the severity of the outbreak, however it’s common to see populations dwindle within 24 hours of application, and then continue to thin out in the first seven days post-application.

How to Get Rid of Mealybugs Naturally

For those conscious of hard chemicals that want to take a natural approach to managing Mealybug populations, you can rely on natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps to keep their population in check.

It might also be possible to control small outbreaks with the use of Neem Oil or other Horticultural Oils, which smother the bugs and make the plant difficult to live on, with no adverse effects to the health of the plant.

Natural methods are slower than chemical insecticides and might not be effective at managing large outbreaks.

While mealybugs are certainly a nuisance in your lawn, they do play a role in the ecosystem. They are a food source for various predators, including birds, ants, and beneficial insects. Additionally, the honeydew they produce can support the growth of certain fungi that are beneficial to the soil.

For this reason, it is important to manage mealybug populations rather than attempting to eradicate them completely. By controlling their numbers, you can protect your lawn while still allowing these insects to play their part in the larger ecosystem.

Control Mealybugs with myhomeTURF

Protecting your Australian lawn from mealybugs requires proactive monitoring, strategic management practices, and timely intervention.

With regular inspection, targeted treatments, and natural control methods, you can can effectively combat mealybug infestations and maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn. Visit myhomeTURF’s online shop for lawn care, treatment and maintenance products.