This week, Texas agriculture officials have sounded the alarm after confirming that a newly discovered invasive pest is rapidly spreading across more than 20 counties. This pest poses a significant threat to grazing lands, hay production, and livestock operations throughout the state.

The insect, Helicococcus summervillei, commonly known as the pasture mealybug, has never been reported in North America until now. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has expressed concern about the pest’s impact, noting that it is already causing noticeable damage in various regions.

“This pest is entirely new to our continent, and Texas once again finds itself as the first line of defense,” Miller stated. “If the pasture mealybug proliferates across Texas grazing lands like it did in eastern Australia, it could lead to significant losses in agricultural productivity and a decrease in livestock capacity for the state.”

In response, the Texas Department of Agriculture is collaborating with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Together, they are assessing the extent of the pest’s spread and formulating an effective emergency response strategy.

The presence of this invasive pest has sparked growing concern among Texas ranchers. Its spread across grazing lands poses a threat to crucial crops that are vital for cattle feed.

The pasture mealybug was first described in Australia in 1928, according to AgriLife Extension publications, and was known to be responsible for millions of acres of lost pasture due to “pasture dieback.” The publication describes the condition as when the insect feeds at the soil level and within plant tissues, weakening and eventually killing grass essential for grazing and hay production.

While the species is believed to be new to North America, researchers suspect the insect has been present since before 2022.

So far, state and extension experts have documented the following 20 counties as being infected, with possibly more: Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Matagorda, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, Dewitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Burleson, Brazos and Robertson.

Microscope view shows pasture mealybugs feeding on a grass blade — the newly detected pest now threatening Texas hay and livestock operations. (Danielle Sekula and Stephen Biles)

According to a Pest Incident Worksheet from AgriLife entomologists, the most significant pasture losses are in Victoria County.

It’s also noted that the most susceptible grasses to infestation are Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, haygrazer (sorghum–sudangrass), St. Augustine grass, bluestem varieties and other tropical or subtropical grasses.

Damage can be difficult to detect early because the insects feed low on the plant and beneath surface debris. Warning signs include yellowing within a week of infestation, purpling or reddening of leaves, stunting despite adequate moisture, weakening root systems and patchy areas of thinning or dead grass. The bugs appear as small white fuzzy clusters on grass or plant matter.

The wax-covered pasture mealybug, shown here on a damaged blade of grass, is causing dieback and threatening Texas grazing lands. (Danielle Sekula and Stephen Biles)

As of now, there are no insecticides labeled for the control of the pest in the U.S.

Anyone who believes they are affected and notices symptoms or insect clusters resembling mealybugs is being asked to contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-800-TELL-TDA. State and federal officials say ongoing reporting will be essential to mapping the pest’s spread and preventing widespread economic losses.

“We need every producer’s eyes on the ground,” Miller emphasized.

TDA, AgriLife Extension and USDA APHIS are continuing to jointly investigate the pest and develop response strategies to safeguard Texas livestock and hay industries.