<P> The most serious pests are mealybugs that feed on citrus; other species damage sugarcane, grapes, pineapple (Jahn et al. 2003), coffee trees, cassava, ferns, cacti, gardenias, papaya, mulberry, sunflower and orchids . Mealybugs only tend to be serious pests in the presence of ants because the ants protect them from predators and parasites . Mealybugs also infest some species of carnivorous plant such as Sarracenia (pitcher plants); in such cases it is difficult to eradicate them without repeated applications of insecticide such as diazinon . Small infestations may not inflict significant damage . In larger amounts though, they can induce leaf drop . </P> <P> Fossil specimens of Acropyga genus ants have been recovered from the Burdigalian stage Dominican amber deposits and several individuals are preserved carrying the extinct mealybug genus Electromyrmococcus . These fossils represent the oldest recorded record of the symbiosis between mealybugs and Acropyga species ants . </P> <Ul> <Li> If the infested plant can tolerate the cold, place the plant on a windowsill during cold weather . This will attract the mealybugs to the leaf furthest from the window, where they can be wiped off with a cloth . </Li> <Li> Ladybird larvae and adults feed on mealybugs, and can be used to control an infestation . </Li> <Li> Mealybugs can be controlled using the fungus Lecanicillium lecanii . </Li> <Li> Insecticidal soap is effective against mealybugs . It is commercially available and can be purchased online or at a supermarket . </Li> <Li> An aqueous solution containing 50% v / v isopropyl alcohol and 1% w / v sodium dodecyl sulfate (found in most household detergents) is effective against mealybugs . Isopropyl alcohol dissolves the outer waxy covering, while the sodium dodecyl sulfate attacks the mealybugs themselves . </Li> <Li> Diatomaceous earth can be applied around the stem of the plant . Diatomaceous earth contains small silica particles that are trapped within the joints of ants . They cause irritation and eventual death . Diatomaceous earth is especially useful for an infestation that has developed a symbiotic relationship with local ants . </Li> <Li> Diazinon can be used, but often requires multiple applications . </Li> </Ul> <Li> If the infested plant can tolerate the cold, place the plant on a windowsill during cold weather . This will attract the mealybugs to the leaf furthest from the window, where they can be wiped off with a cloth . </Li>

What is the life cycle of a mealy bug