Pasture Mealybug

The pasture mealybug is not currently detected in Oklahoma. However, this invasive pest is spreading rapidly across the Gulf Coast and neighboring states. Oklahoma producers should remain vigilant, proactively scout pastures, learn how to recognize the pest and its damage, and understand what current management options are available.

View a current map of where pasture mealybug has been confirmed outside of Oklahoma.

This photo shows female adult pasture mealybugs and nymphs. Photo credit: Isaac Esquivel, University of Florida.

Pest E-Alert, Aug. 2026

SUNUP Video

Ashleigh Faris, statewide IPM coordinator and OSU Extension cropping systems entomologist, discusses the recent reports of pasture mealybug in Dallas County, Texas, and says Oklahoma producers should be scouting their pastures now. (Aug. 28, 2026)

Collect

a sample

Gather grass clippings with suspect insects.

Package

it correctly

Wrap the sample loosely in a dry paper towel or newspaper, place it in a sealed Ziploc bag, then place the bag in a small box. Do NOT add water.

Submit

the sample

Take the sample to your local OSU Extension county office for shipment to the OSU Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Lab.

Texas Pasture Mealybug Information

Information and resources on the pasture mealybug from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Louisiana Pasture Mealybug Information

Information and resources on the pasture mealybug from the Louisiana State University Ag Center.

Georgia Pasture Mealybug Information

Information and resources on the pasture mealybug from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia.

Florida Pasture Mealybug Information

Information and resources on the pasture mealybug from the University of Florida/IFAS.

Integrated Pest Management

The Integrated Pest Management team is backed by science and designed to provide safe, effective, economical and sustainable solutions that protect people, pets and resources from pests.

Texas A&M Mid-Coast IPM Blog

Managed by Stephen Biles, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension IPM Specialist.

New South Wales Government Pasture Mealybug Bulletin (Australia)

Pasture Mealybug information from New South Wales.

Dr. Ashleigh Faris

Professor and OSU Extension Cropping Systems Entomologist
Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
(405) 744-5530
ashleigh.faris@okstate.edu

Kelly Seuhs

Associate Extension Specialist for Forage Entomology
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
(405) 744-6456
k.seuhs@okstate.edu

Dr. Jonathan A. Cammack

Assistant Professor
OSU Extension Livestock Entomology and Parasitology Specialist
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
(405) 744-9064
jonathan.cammack@okstate.edu

Dr. Nathan Walker

Professor
OSU Extension Specialist for Turf Disease and Pest Diagnosis
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
(405) 744-6830
nathan.walker@okstate.edu

Brian Pugh

OSU Extension Area Specialist for Forage
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
(918) 686-7800

Dr. Laura Goodman

Associate Professor
OSU Extension Specialist for Rangeland Ecology
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
(405) 744-2061
laura.goodman@okstate.edu

Dr. Brian Arnall

Professor
OSU Extension Specialist for Precision Nutrient Management
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
(405) 744-1722
b.arnall@okstate.edu

Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
(405) 744-9961
sickplants@okstate.edu

Extension

Search

Quicklinks

Logins

Academic Schedule

Places & Departments

Trending Now

Pasture Mealybug

Pasture Mealybug

SUNUP Video

How to Submit a Sample If you suspect a pasture mealybug infestation, follow these three steps to collect, package and submit a sample to your local OSU Extension county office.

Information From Other States

Additional Resources

For More Information | About the Insect and Management

For More Information | The Insect and Turfgrass

For More Information | Pasture and Range Management

For More Information | Submitting Samples