Just when we didn’t need it, we have a newly record- ed insect in the US. It was first found in 2 deep south Texas Counties in April 2025 but is quickly marching north and is now currently confirmed in 69 Texas coun - ties with Brown County being the closest to Eastland County and suspected to be in another 56 counties, 1 of which is Eastland County. In about 1 year the insect has managed to infest nearly ½ of the counties in Texas. The Pasture Mealybug was identified in Australia in 1928 and has devastated millions of acres of grasses there. It has become a widespread pest damaging or killing rice in India, sugarcane in Pakistan, and grasses in Barbados, and continues to move seemingly at will.
The adults do not actually feed on grass but mate in the dense thatch underneath. Females are white, fuzzy, soft bodied aphid like insects 2-5 ml long, oval shaped, with fine white hair on all sides about the length & width of the body. All stages are mobile but only adult males are winged and can only fly very short distances. Females can produce up to 100 offspring within 24 hours. They are expected to survive year-round in our climate by overwintering in the soil. Young nymphs cause all the damage. They are less than 1 ml long and only visible with magnification. Their feeding weakens grass leaves, and their excrement of honeydew covers the leaf surface inviting fungi and other pathogens that block photosynthesis, eventually killing the plant. Sa - liva released during feeding is toxic to grasses causing "pasture dieback". Insects are found on grass leaves, at or just below soil surface, or often under dry cow patties. They are not gregarious so you may find 1 or an absolute out of control infestation. Unmanaged land, such as fence rows, bar ditches, or fallow land are very vulnerable. Symptoms appear as soon as 1 week of infestation. The grass first turns brown/yellow then red/purple from the tip back starting with the older leaves first. Grass may appear to be stunted, or drought stressed even after rain or irrigation with poorly developed root systems. Any plant in the grass family seems to be on their diet Bermuda, St Augustine, sorghum, bluestem, wheat, on and on. Broadleaf plants, trees, and legumes are not attacked. High humidity, high temperatures, rainy conditions, and high nitrogen levels are perfect environments for the pest. Welcome to Eastland County Texas, Pasture Mealybug. High nitrogen levels in soil and plant tissue increases feeding and dieback so avoiding excessive nitrogen may help slow population expansion. Phos - phorus and potassium help grasses tolerate infestations better by providing stronger roots and speeding grass recovery times. The insects spread some by wind but primarily move on hay, equipment, vehicles, livestock or pets, wildlife, and clothing. Removal by pressure washing is best but sweeping or blowing with com - pressed air also works.
The big problem is there are currently no labeled insecticides for Pasture Mealybug. Broad spectrum insecticide use is highly discouraged and will likely eliminate any possible natural predators that might help with their control. Statistics show that 95-97% of insect pests are controlled naturally so we do not want to take that chance on this one for sure. Exten - sive research is being done on a couple of insecticides that look promising, but they are not currently labeled for the pest and require a Private Applicator License for purchase at this time. For now, the best advice is to closely monitor grasses in pastures, fields or lawns and mark areas of concern. If mealybugs are found, pest and require a Private Applicator License for purchase at this time. For now, the best advice is to closely monitor grasses in pastures, fields or lawns and mark areas of concern. If mealybugs are found, graze, cut, or mow the area short to utilize grazing or hay quality while reducing thick thatch cover ideal for them to b reed in and speed nutrient uptake within the plant. Har -
