Comstock Mealybug

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Common names:  Comstock Mealybug

Scientific name:  Pseudococcus comstocki

Region:  This mealybug can be found in eastern

United States and California, with other species found throughout North America.

Physical Description:  This 1/4 inch long insect is white with an elliptical shape and small waxy spines.  The eggs of this mealybug are laid under the bark of the host trees.

Feeding characteristics:  This pest attacks apple, grape, peach and pear trees by infesting the fruit causing disfiguring and may lead to mold.  Infestations occur near pruning scars and cause galls to form.

Controls:  The simplest and safest control is a strong stream of water, or soapy water, directed at the underside of foliage.

If you're working with a problem inside the house or green house, you can kill them by touching them with a cotton tip soaked in alcohol.  The alcohol dissolves the waxy protective coating.

A Chalcid Wasp has been successful at controlling this mealybug in Virginia and Ohio.