DESCRIPTION: Piercing, sap-sucking insects that may reach 1/3 inch in length. Flattened oval bodies covered with white waxy powder. Short soft spines protrude from edges.

TARGET: Common problem on many house plants; also attacks trees and shrubs during warm weather. Like to feed on soft tissues of plants.

SIGNS: Congregate in masses on stems, branches and leaves and wrap themselves in sticky white cotton-like mass that repels water and insecticides. Honeydew excreted by mealybugs attracts ants and promotes sooty mold. Root mealybugs attack root systems.

SYMPTOMS: As mealybugs suck sap, plant loses vigor. Leaves become distorted and yellowed; growth is stunted. Severe attack can result in leaf fall.

CONTROLS: Indoors, hand pick them from plants if only a few; touch each with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; or spray plant with equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water. Outdoors, green lacewings, ladybugs, titmice, mockingbirds and turtles feed on mealybugs, and horticultural oils help smother young. Severe infestations need systemic insecticide. For root mealybugs, wash soil and pests from roots, cut away damaged parts, repot in fresh potting soil, or drench pot mixture with insecticide.