Ranchers face a new challenge this season with mealybugs in Texas pastures. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recently issued a warning about an invasive mealybug species that poses a serious threat to local pastures. While we often associate pests with the heat of summer, these insects can wreak havoc during our mild winters, silently damaging your forage before spring even arrives.

A Silent Underground Destroyer

Unlike pests that strip leaves in plain sight, these invasive mealybugs operate covertly. They feed primarily on grass roots and lower stems, sucking the vitality out of plants from the ground up. This feeding behavior weakens the root systems and significantly reduces forage vigor just as spring growth begins.

Because mealybugs often live at or below the soil surface, the damage they cause is easy to miss until it becomes severe. Ranchers rarely see the insects themselves. Instead, you might notice thinning stands of grass, uneven growth patterns, or pastures that recover poorly after grazing. Another key indicator is increased ant activity, as ants often protect mealybugs in exchange for the honeydew they produce.

Stressed Pastures Are Vulnerable

The health of your soil and grass directly influences how much damage these pests can inflict. Pastures already under stress—whether from overgrazing, drought, or poor soil nutrition—are far more susceptible to mealybug attacks. Healthy, vigorous plants can withstand feeding pressure much better than weakened ones.

Management is Your Best Defense

According to AgriLife Extension, chemical control options for mealybugs in pastures remain limited. This makes strong pasture management your most effective line of defense.

To limit the impact of these pests, focus on maintaining healthy root systems:

• Maintain proper stocking rates: Avoid overcrowding your land.
• Prevent overgrazing: Leave enough leaf area for plants to recover energy.
• Improve soil health: ensure your soil has the necessary nutrients to support robust growth.

January is a critical time to walk your pastures. Look for weak areas, identify potential trouble spots, and plan your adjustments now before the spring green-up begins. Early monitoring allows you to react before the damage becomes irreversible.

Protect Your Forage with Arcola Feed

Don’t let a hidden pest undermine your ranch’s productivity. Stop by Arcola Feed to discuss pasture nutrition and management strategies based on the latest Extension recommendations. We are here to help Texas ranchers protect their forage and keep pastures productive year-round.