The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei; Figure 1) was first officially reported in Texas in 2025. The adults are less than 1/4 inch long, white, and oval. They are covered in a waxy coating and will have fine hairs across their body. They primarily impact annual and perennial warm season grass species. The damage consists of yellowing, stunted growth, and early senescence.
For more information about the pasture mealybug and how it has impacted forage production in Texas, please review the recently revised Texas A&M Extension bulletin on pasture mealybug.
Reporting in Georgia
At the time of writing this update, this pest has not yet been officially reported in Georgia. We encourage everyone to walk their pastures and hayfields often to check for the pest. If you suspect you have the pasture mealybug, please work with your local County Extension Agent for confirmation or fill out the UGA pasture mealybug survey. An updated map will be released weekly on the Georgia Forage Website and Georgia Forages Facebook Page once the pest has been confirmed.
Suppression Options
At the time of writing this update, there are no labelled and reliable insecticides for complete control of the pasture mealybug. Efforts are being made by chemical companies to have emergency labelling approved for some active ingredients, but this takes time and the agronomic and economic benefits have not yet been determined. The only product currently holding an emergency use label in Georgia is Sefina (suppression only).
Practicing good farm biosecurity is critical to stopping this pest at the gate. This is the best and most reliable option we have right now. These pests can stick everywhere, so we must think strategically and be vigilant. Source of introduction include farm equipment, hay and stored forages, grazing animals, clothing, shoes, wildlife, and wind. These are illustrated in Figure 1. This figure and other variations for biosecurity in pasture systems are available for free download.
Biosecurity practices may include:
-Cleaning farm and hay equipment in between each field or farm (depending on scale of operation).
-Avoid driving through pastures.
-Change pants and shoes in between fields or farms (depending on scale of operation).
-Keep grazing records and avoid impacted pastures.
-Limit wildlife movement on farm.
– Limit vehicle traffic in and off the farm.
For more information about building biosecurity plans in forage systems, please contact your local Extension office.
