Mealybugs

Jean De La Bruyere mentioned that "The first day one is a guest, the second a burden, and the third a pest".

The above mentioned quote relates to garden pests and in particular mealybugs.

Over the past year I have come across 3 cases of mealybugs effecting Daphne odora plants in various suburbs of Melbourne.

Mealybugs, depending on species, are oval, grey insects that grow up to 4mm in size.

Mealybugs grow in colonies; they are covered in wax and can easily be mistaken for fungi.

They thrive in warm, moist conditions, especially in protected places.

Given the previous comment and the weather conditions in Melbourne, of late, it does make sense that mealybugs appear at higher frequency.

The damage that mealybugs cause is wilting of growth and new leaves can be distorted.

Ants are the "transporters" of mealybugs and it is one of the first signs that gardeners need to be aware of.

If and when comes to chemical control, Malathion is recommended.