Florida Expanded Emergency Order for Invasive Mealybug

Agricultural operators must monitor for pest spread as the invasive mealybug impacts grass fields across 25 counties.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Agriculture

Florida Expanded Emergency Order for Invasive Mealybug

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Should the state increase funding to combat invasive pests threatening local agricultural crops and pastures?

Governor Ron DeSantis signed an updated executive order on September 15, 2026, to address the rapid spread of the invasive pasture mealybug. The insect has now been confirmed in 25 Florida counties, threatening the state's agricultural industry, including hay, sugarcane, and corn production.

Why it matters

The pest poses a significant threat to Florida's agricultural supply chain, including livestock feed and food crops. Rapid identification is critical for operators, as symptoms can take up to 21 days to manifest, allowing for significant infestation spread via contaminated machinery.

Infestation spread from 15 Florida counties in early June to 25 total counties by September 10, 2026. Symptoms of the pest, which feeds on hay, sugarcane, rice, and corn, typically appear between 7 and 21 days after initial contact.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who has authority over the state's agricultural emergency response and regulatory orders.

The details

The mealybug, native to Australia and Southeast Asia, moves through fields on hay-cutting and mowing equipment or through infested sprigging material. Once established, adult females migrate into the thatch or soil to reproduce, making early detection essential for field management. Researchers are currently testing insecticides to identify effective control measures for the industry.

• May 2026: The pasture mealybug was first discovered in Florida grass fields.
• Early June 2026: The insect was confirmed in 15 Florida counties.
• September 10, 2026: The infestation reached 10 additional Florida counties.
• September 15, 2026: Governor Ron DeSantis signed the updated executive order.

Market Landscape

Florida's current emergency response follows the pattern set by the 2025 detection protocols for pasture mealybug in Texas and Louisiana. The state's action highlights a broader challenge in managing invasive species that leverage standard agricultural equipment for rapid interstate and regional transmission.

Agricultural operators should prioritize the sanitation of hay-cutting and mowing equipment to prevent the mechanical spread of the mealybug. Review your current field scouting protocols to ensure you can detect infestation symptoms within the 7 to 21-day window.

The takeaway

The rapid spread of this pest underscores the importance of strict equipment hygiene in modern agricultural operations. Operators should monitor field health closely and consult with local extension services as researchers finalize insecticide efficacy testing.