What Are the White Bugs on Plants?

The white bugs on plants are generally aphids or mealybugs — two distinct species that are closely related; mealybugs appear as tiny white fluffy spots, while aphids have a waxy or wooly coating. Lady beetles and parasitic wasps can both be used to rid plants of aphids and mealybugs.

Aphids are pear shaped and normally feed in large groups. They can eat the leaves, stem, flowers, fruit or roots of a plant. Signs of aphids include yellow curled leaves, leaves that are coated in a sticky substance and black mold on the leaves or stem.