Several species of this common insect feed on coleus. Mealybugs damage plants by sucking sap, causing leaf distortion and death. The adult female mealybug may produce live young, or may deposit her eggs in white fluffy masses of wax. The immature mealybugs, called nymphs, are very active and crawl all over the plant. Soon after the nymphs begin to feed, they exude filaments of white wax that cover their bodies, giving them a cottony appearance. As they mature, their mobility decreases. Mealybugs cannot fully digest all the sugar in the sap and excrete the excess in a fluid called honeydew, which coats the leaves. Ants may feed on the honeydew. Mealybugs are spread by the wind, which may blow egg masses and nymphs from plant to plant. Ants may also move them, or young, active nymphs can crawl to nearby plants. Mealybug eggs and some adults can survive the winter in warm climates. Spring reinfestations in colder areas come from infested new plants placed in the garden.
Spray infested plants with an insecticide containing acephate. Spray at intervals of 7 to 10 days until the mealybugs are gone. Gently hose down plants to knock off mealybugs and wash off honeydew. Remove and destroy severely infested leaves and plants.
Plant Care for Coleus