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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Natural enemies

Several parasites and predators keep mealybugs under natural control. At least five species of parasitic wasps attack grape mealybug in California. The effectiveness of parasites varies considerably from time to time and place to place. One common species is the tiny wasp, Acerophagus notativentris. Mealybugs parasitized by this wasp exhibit multiple emergence holes that are easily seen with a hand lens.

Predators of mealybugs important in keeping populations in check include mealybug destroyers, lacewings, minute pirate bugs, and spiders.

Acerophagus notativentris adult
Acerophagus notativentris adult
Adult parasite
Adult parasites emerged from mealybug

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