Features

• Mature female citrus mealybugs are white, wingless, oval-shaped and waxy. They grow to 3 millimeters long and 1.5 millimeters wide, observes the University of Minnesota. The males have wings, and immature mealybugs look like tiny yellow ovals.
  
  

Effects

• Citrus mealybugs suck sap from plants while also injecting toxic saliva, notes the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. These activities can cause plant leaf damage and defoliation, as well as damage to the fruit. Mealybugs also release a sweet sticky liquid called "honeydew," which provides a breeding ground for harmful plant fungi.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Mealybugs usually have enough natural predators to keep them from causing severe infestations. However, the University of California Integrated Pest Management Online recommends releasing natural predators, such as ladybugs, syrphid flies and lacewings to keep citrus mealybugs under control. Some pesticides, such as buprofezincan, kill mealybugs without killing natural predators, advises University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.