Pasture Mealybug Threat in Georgia | Macon News

Macon Georgia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Sep 3, 2026 · 1m

A new pest is spreading through Georgia’s pastures — the pasture mealybug, first spotted in Decatur County. This warm-season grass-loving bug could seriously impact crops and forage if left unchecked. Unlike common pests, its behavior and damage potential are still being studied, but early signs include yellowing or brown patches — confirmed only by spotting the insect itself. Spread is rapid via farm equipment, hay, animals, and even clothing, making biosecurity critical. No proven insecticides exist yet, so researchers are urging farmers and the public to report suspicious sightings to…