Buy Online
GET STARTED

Coconut Mealybugs

Active Seasons

Illustration representing the spring season
Illustration representing the summer season
Illustration representing the winter season
Illustration representing the fall season

Appearance and Size Facts

  • Females are oval shaped, with a range of 10 to 12 pairs of waxy protrusions from the yellow-orange wax layer
  • Under the wax covering, the insect can range from reddish-brown to orange in color
  • Males are elongated, with a very thin wax layer as immatures, are winged and free-living as adults
  • Size: Females range from 1/18 to 1/10 inch in length, while males are significant smaller than females

Behavior and Habitat of Coconut Mealybugs

Both male and female Coconut mealybugs look the same as immatures. At the last molt before becoming the sexual reproductive adult form, the males begin to change within a cocoon-like structure and emerge as a winged form, while females remain in an immobile, wax-covered form. Although the name may be misleading, Coconut mealybugs have been documented on a wide variety of host plants, including cycads, palms, banana, avocado, citrus, grape, ginger, and potato. Coconut mealybugs are cosmopolitan in their distribution, being found in North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Image of a magnifying glass

Signs of Infestation of Coconut Mealybugs

Like most scale insects, Coconut mealybug females and nymphs feed on the plant juices. Excrement from the insects usually results in sooty mold, which can lead to a reduction in plant photosynthesis, leaf drop, leaf chlorosis, and, rarely, death of the host plant. Ants may also be an indication of a scale insect infestation, as they will feed on honeydew secretions and defend the scale insects from predation.

An illustration representing a warning sign for bug infestation

Tips for Prevention of Coconut Mealybugs

Using water to wash the insects from the host plant can also lower populations. If larger populations are noticed, consult a professional pest management company, such as Hulett Environmental Services, to help manage the infestation.

A cropped image of a pencil

Coconut Mealybug Gallery

Photograph of coconut mealybug

Latest Pest & Termite Control News

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Here in Palm Beach County and our northern neighbors in the Treasure Coast, including subterranean termite prevention and control as a part of your general home maintenance plan is essential. This is especially true in West Palm Beach, which was named in the “Top 10 Worst Termite...

Read More ›
New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

A new year means new pests are trying to call your South Florida house their home. This year, along with new year’s resolutions to improve your health, finances, attitude, and whatever other things you want to change in your life, make this year the year you keep your South Florida home...

Read More ›
Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Living in South Florida means rodents, ants, and other pests don't take the winters off! Meanwhile, your lawn needs less watering and mowing during the winter months and is susceptible to various diseases such as brown patch fungus. Your lawn in winter While we’re outdoors, let’s talk...

Read More ›