There’s a new invasive insect that may invade your turfgrass…The Pasture Mealybug has been found in 15 south Florida counties in pastures including bahiagrass and bermudagrass pastures, other forage, and sugarcane. It has not been documented in Florida in urban turfgrass as of July 2026. But it has been found in St. Augustinegrass in Texas. Diligent scouting for this pest is critical as from a distance symptoms may be mistaken for other insects or disease. Note in photo yellowing, then purple/red streaks along the length of the leaf which quickly progresses to brown leaves, a drought-stressed appearance, and plant death. Equipment sanitation, including blowing debris from mower decks and trimmers before leaving each site, is essential to help prevent the spread of any pest or disease.
UF/IFAS specialists report:
“There are currently no insecticides specifically evaluated or labeled for this pest since it has only been in FL for less than 2 months. However, current recommendations in FL turfgrass are to manage it similarly to how we manage other sap-feeding insects like chinch bugs and tuttle mealybug. Systemic insecticides are likely the most effective approach.”
If you think you have found this pest:
on a property you manage or your farm, please contact your County Extension Agent and Dr. Adam Dale (agdale@ufl.edu) with UF IFAS. If you suspect your lawn or field is infected, please take pictures and fill out the UF/IFAS Pasture Mealybug Report form by clicking HERE. In addition, send samples to FDACS Division of Plant Industry (DPI), follow the sample submission instructions HERE. You can also contact Dr. Erin Powell (erin.powell@fdacs.gov) with FDACS DPI for assistance.
Refer to the links below for more information and identification photos:
Webinar: Understanding Pasture Mealybug – July 17, 2026, 10 am EST
UF/IFAS Pasture Mealybug website
Pasture Mealybugs Detected in Florida Pastures
FDACS Pest Alert: Pasture mealybug, Heliococcus summervillei Brookes
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