more... > Insects and Relatives > Scales > Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Project: North Central IPM Center [Image: Pink Hisbicus Mealybug] Two distance education teleconferences were conducted by the North Central Region Integrated Pest Management Center in June 2005. The presentations covered biological questions and control options. Pink Hibiscus Mealybug The pink hibiscus mealybug is an invasive species that will infest agricultural crops, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. Populations can be hard to detect initially but can build up quickly and spread by wind, birds, animals and humans. Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Video Training [Image: Pink Hibiscus Mealybug] Two videos presenting information on the pink hibiscus mealybug. Regional Pest Alert Scales [Image: Lobate Lac scale] The lobate lac scale, native to India and Sri Lanka, was first reported on hibiscus in Broward County, Florida, in 1999 and was found on several other hosts in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in 2000. The scale was found in six additional southern Florida counties by 2004, and it has rapidly become a major pest. This publication was produced and distributed by USDA–CSREES Integrated Pest Management Centers in cooperation with the National Plant Diagnostic Network, APHIS, and ARS.  more articles... LSU AgCenter Entomologist Says Leave Hibiscus Mealybug Management To Experts Authorities are releasing a natural enemy of the pink hibiscus mealybug to try to bring this insect, which is a danger to both nursery and agricultural crops, under control, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said Tuesday (Oct. 10, 2006).