Invasive Pasture Mealy Bugs

[Meadowlark]

A new invasive pest has been identified in Texas that destroys fields with native grasses as well as lawns. So far, it has been found in limited Texas counties, but the spread is expected to continue. Seems like this pest has its origins in Australia making its way through the Caribbean into Texas.

The file is too large to post here but I'm providing a link for those interested in reading about this new threat.

https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Pasture-Mealybug_June2026.pdf

 

[Martin Mikulcik]

"fire ants are known to tend and protect many soft-bodied insects, such as
mealybugs, from predators"

Aren't entomologists great

Sorry about your killer bees, crazy ants, super termites, Mexican fruit fly, and now mealy bugs

 

[Meadowlark]

Yes, I read that part about fire ants with great interest and dismay.