What protective substance do scale and mealybugs secrete?

Scale and mealybugs secrete a waxy protective substance that serves multiple purposes essential for their survival. This waxy coating not only helps in waterproofing their bodies, preventing desiccation, but also acts as a physical barrier against potential predators and environmental stresses. The wax can also help in manipulating the microenvironment around them, creating a more favorable condition for feeding and breeding.

This protective layer is significant in distinguishing these pests, as it can affect the effectiveness of pest management strategies. The presence of this waxy substance can hinder contact insecticides and make it more challenging to achieve successful control measures. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for those involved in pest management and pesticide application, as it helps in selecting the appropriate control methods that can penetrate or bypass this barrier.