Meaning of the word mealybug in English

What does mealybug mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

mealybug

US /ˈmiːliˌbʌɡ/
UK /ˈmiː.li.bʌɡ/
"mealybug" picture

Noun

a small, soft-bodied insect of the family Pseudococcidae, typically covered in a white, powdery wax, that feeds on plant sap and can be a pest of crops and houseplants

Example:
The gardener noticed a cluster of mealybugs on the underside of the rose leaves.
To control mealybugs, you can wipe them off with rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap.