Pest identification
What's eating my agave americana?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony residue deep in leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould; weak, yellowing outer leaves
Control: Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; follow with a neem oil drench into the leaf bases; repeat every 10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves and stems; leaf yellowing; stunted growth
Control: Scrape off manually with a soft brush; wipe with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; check monthly
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
Signs: Adults cut into the heart to lay eggs; larvae tunnel through the core; plant collapses suddenly from the centre
Control: Outdoors: inspect regularly for adult weevils in spring; remove and destroy infested plants; treat surrounding soil with an approved imidacloprid drench as a preventive in high-risk areas
Keep agave americana pest-free
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Agave americana pests — FAQ
What is eating my agave americana?
Agave americana indoors is most commonly attacked by agave snout weevil (outdoors) and mealybugs (indoors). The weevil is the most destructive pest in warmer garden climates, laying eggs at the base and causing sudden collapse. Indoors, mealybugs shelter in the tight leaf bases. Scale insects are also occasional visitors.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on agave americana?
White cottony residue deep in leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould; weak, yellowing outer leaves Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; follow with a neem oil drench into the leaf bases; repeat every 10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on agave americana?
Hard brown or tan waxy bumps on leaves and stems; leaf yellowing; stunted growth Scrape off manually with a soft brush; wipe with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray; check monthly
How do I get rid of agave snout weevil (scyphophorus acupunctatus) on agave americana?
Adults cut into the heart to lay eggs; larvae tunnel through the core; plant collapses suddenly from the centre Outdoors: inspect regularly for adult weevils in spring; remove and destroy infested plants; treat surrounding soil with an approved imidacloprid drench as a preventive in high-risk areas