These sap sucking pests are common around the garden, and can cause sooty mould on the tree.
Plant Part: Sheltered/confined areas of the branches and even young buds.
Season: All seasons, but more prominent in Summer and Autumn
Symptoms: You will notice these pests by the white waxy coating around their bodies. They thrive in warm moist conditions congregating in plant joins. Ants will be attracted to the honeydew secretions of this pest, so look out for ants as well.
Control: Spraying with Eco oil or Eco Neem (always follow directions) will help keep mealybugs under controls.
Preventative: Attracting beneficial insects like lady bugs and wasps to your garden will help control these pests. As will keeping your Fruit Salad Tree well looked after as plants under stress are more likely to be targeted by this little pest. If at any stage your tree is looking a little worse for wear, a dose of fish/seaweed mix in a cool part of the day will generally pep them right up.
References: Bugs for Bugs, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and the FST team.
