Milky sap plants such as temple tree (Frangipani), jackfruit, breadfruit, papaya, rambuttan, croton and other foliage plants, as well as citrus in home gardens and households have been severely affected .Common symptoms caused by this species include a white powdery substance mainly on the underside of leaves. has mobilized its team of extension staff and is conducting educational campaigns through its mobile units as well as arranging control measures such as spraying programmes. Households in Colombo and suburbs have made use of the advisory services available within . In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, recommends the following course of action: Identification of Pest and Symptoms • Identify mealy bugs by looking on the undersides of leaves, along leaf veins, on growing tips and around leaf joints. These insects look like small (1/10 to 1/8 of an inch) balls of cotton / white powdery residues are found on the infected plants • Mealy bug-damaged plants look withered and sickly and may have sticky sap on the leaves and stems. • Mealy bugs damage plants by removing plant juices and by spreading diseases. They feed on all parts of a plant, particularly new growth. Yellowing of leaves or leaf drop may be a symptom of an infestation. • Mealy bugs excrete a honeydew substance over plant surfaces. This causes a secondary fungus called sooty mould (black colour) to grow on the mealy bug excreted substance causing the plant foliage to look like it is covered with chimney soot. Mode of Disease Transfer • Mealy bug is transferred mainly through ants • Cocoons are also transferred through wind • Can be transferred through birds • It can also be transferred through infected plants, equipment and humans Treatment Measures The following controls may result in reducing an infestation. Eradication of mealy bugs will only happen by persistent application of controls. • Cut and destroy by burning or disposing off highly infected plants/ infected plant parts (including the leaves that have fallen on the ground) • Spray a strong jet of water directly on to the affected area of the plant. The stream washes the insects off. This is the easiest way to control mealy bugs. • Spray with a soap water solution (2 tsp washing power, 1 tsp kerosene mixture in 1 litre of water for non-edible plants). • Spray shampoo mix every once in 2 days for edible plants • Apply grease on the bark to avoid re-infestation. (2” – 4” wide belt) • Spray infected plants with 1 -2 ml of Admire SL 200 in 1 litre of water (chemical control)