When are mealybugs most active?

Mealybug activity peaks when conditions are warm and humid above 75°F, making summer their ideal time of year for the peak. They likewise reproduce the fastest when temperatures are consistently warm and accelerate their life cycle accordingly. Indoors, you can maintain a thriving population of mealybugs year-round in a consistent environment, such as a heated home. I see explosive growth in my greenhouse every July and require constant surveillance.

Reproduction speeds up dramatically beyond 75°F, with eggs hatching within 5-7 days. Females can produce up to 600 eggs per month under optimal conditions. High humidity protects eggs, and warmer temperatures also accelerate nymph maturation. My worst infestation occurred during a heatwave, when the population tripled weekly.

Indoors serve as favorable habitats year-round. Providing stable temperatures between 70°F and 80°F creates conditions for constant breeding throughout the year, without seasonal breaks. Heating systems also shrink the periods of dormancy induced by winter. I proactively treat indoor infestations monthly to address issues indoors, regardless of the outdoor season, utilizing consistent monthly monitoring.

Adjust the treatment frequency according to seasonal activity. You can spray every 5 days during the summer, every 10 days during the winter. Increase inspection frequency in response to temperature increases. Utilize cooling systems to disrupt ideal breeding conditions. I adapted these practices, and they worked very well for controlling outbreaks in the greenhouse.

Preventative actions should be taken during times of higher risk. Ensure that you apply systemic insecticides before the summer peak. Introduce predatory insects in March or early April. Also, keep an eye on humidity levels with a hygrometer. Here, the prevention calendar for me begins in April, anticipating the seasonal highs.

Read the full article: How to Treat Mealybugs: 10 Proven Methods