A colony of root mealybugs (Rhizoecus sp.) on the tap root of Kedostris africana, an indoor succulent pot plant. The picture shows dozens of mealybugs, pinkish in hue and covered with a dusty layer of wax particles, together with granular masses of wax (white ). Each mealybug in the picture is about 3mm long. Mealybugs are insects of the Pseudococcidae family (Hemiptera). Members of the genus Pseudococcus tend to be found on aerial parts of plants, with Rhizoecus favouring roots, giving rise to the common name. They are commonly found on ornamental plants grown long-term under glass or in indoors. They survive outside only very rarely in European conditions.Due to their waxy covering, they are difficult to control with insecticidal sprays. In conditions above 20C, the Australian ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is an effective biological control.