The golden root mealybug is a relentless species that can survive outdoors all year round, with large populations known to deplete plant health and stunt growth, causing leaves to turn yellow, deform or fall off.

To avoid these devastating effects, follow these simple root check steps before introducing your plants to their new home.

Step 1: Inspect

When you buy a new plant, before going anywhere near the garden make sure you depot the plant and check its roots for signs of the mealybug or any other concerning plant health issues that could threaten your garden.

Step 2: Insect?

Once your plant is de-potted, here is what to look out for: Golden root mealybugs

In the roots, these can be distinguished by their distinctive suplhur-yellow wax coating and broadly oval shape. Young nymph-stage root mealybugs may appear as white specks the size of small grains of rice.

 

Step 3: Correct!

If you find any signs of the mealybug, make sure you safely dispose of the plant by depositing it into a brown bin for garden waste.

It's then important to sanitise the area that you de-potted the plant in as well as the tools used. If you bought the plant from a local garden centre, make sure to call them to report the infestation, as this can help to prevent it from spreading further.