White Sticky Mounds on Shrubs: Mealybugs, Spittlebugs, or Fungal Sclerotia?

Potted shrubs have dense, creamy white sticky mounds expanding when disturbed. Each has a flat, brown, round, immobile insect-like object (lentil-sized). At base and occasionally higher.

Differential Diagnosis

• Mealybugs: Many types; compare images thoroughly.
• Spittlebugs: Frothy mass; check images.
• Fungal sclerotia: Sclerotium (southern blight, warm) or Sclerotinia (cooler) form resistant structures resembling insects.

Next Steps

1. Search images for each possibility.
2. Reply with ID or shrub species for targeted advice.
3. Photo upload would be most helpful.

Expert insight provided by Steve.