soft scaled insect with small segmented bodies covered with a white powdery wax; feeds on sap

are small, oval insects with a spiny, waxy white covering. They suck plant juices. Some feed on roots and others, on leaves and stems. Those that feed on leaves are visible as a cotton-like mass in leaf axils or on buds. Root mealybugs can be found near the soil surface or on the root ball when the plant is removed from the pot. Shoots and leaves wilt and plants are stunted. Control by swabbing with alcohol as often as needed. Put root mealybug plants in the trash and burn.