Identifying Mealybug Eggs in Plant Soil

Yellow balls

Bigger ball Grey-to-yellow translucent balls in soil, squishy when squeezed, various sizes. Plants suffering. No fertilizer used.

Identification

Likely mealybug eggs. Mealybugs are whitish, fuzzy insects feeding on plants—common indoors and out.

Treatment

Indoor plants: Remove from pots, destroy visible eggs, repot in fresh soil, water well. Get garden center advice on soil drench insecticide. Use safer soap pesticide per directions. Monitor for adults on foliage; spray accordingly.

Outdoor plants: Depends on location. In NJ (zone 7), fall treatment unnecessary—eggs won't hatch until spring. Treat next year with soil drench and foliar spray.

Many soil-dwelling insects lay similar eggs. Contact state agricultural agency for definitive ID.