Mealybugs
This problem spreads through handling, insects or soil rather than the weather, so there is no live forecast risk — focus on prevention below.
When it strikes
About
Mealybugs are soft sap-sucking insects coated in white waxy fluff that infest houseplants, citrus, grapes and greenhouse crops, thriving in warm, sheltered conditions year-round indoors.
Symptoms
White cottony masses in leaf axils, on stems and roots; yellowing and stunted growth; sticky honeydew and black sooty mould; ants attending the colonies.
Organic Treatment
Dab colonies with alcohol-dipped cotton, spray insecticidal soap or neem, rinse plants, and release mealybug destroyer ladybirds in greenhouses.
Chemical Treatment
Horticultural oil or systemic insecticide for heavy or root-mealybug infestations on ornamentals.
Prevention
Quarantine and inspect new plants, wipe leaves regularly, avoid over-fertilising, and treat ants that protect the colonies.