Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an urgent alert to producers statewide following the first North American detection of the pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei). This highly destructive pest is now confirmed in at least 20 Texas counties. The Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA APHIS are coordinating a rapid response as the pest spreads across pastures and hayfields, causing significant economic concern.

Originally identified in Australia in 1928, the pasture mealybug has devastated millions of acres of grazing land globally. Its rapid reproduction, concealed feeding near the soil surface, and wide host range make it a serious threat to pasture health and livestock operations. Infestations cause “pasture dieback,” visible as yellowing, weakened and ultimately dead patches of turf.

Affected grass species include Bermudagrass, Bahia, Johnsongrass, hay grazer, St. Augustine, bluestems and other warm-season grasses. Symptoms appear quickly and may include leaf yellowing, purpling, stunted growth, drought-like stress, poor root development and tip-to-base dieback. Plants often age prematurely, increasing susceptibility to disease.

Producers are urged to scout regularly—especially along fencelines, ungrazed areas, and roadsides—for fuzzy white mealybugs on leaves, stems, soil surfaces or under debris such as cow patties.

Miller emphasized the need for early detection and immediate reporting. Producers who see suspicious symptoms or insects should contact TDA at 1-800-TELL-TDA.

Read more about the invasive pasture mealybug here.