By Julie Tomascik
Editor

New federal legislation aims to strengthen efforts to combat pasture mealybug as the invasive pest continues to damage pastures and forage across Texas.

U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz of Texas introduced the Combatting Pasture Mealybug Act. The bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the pest’s impact and recommend strategies the federal government can use to contain it.

“The pasture mealybug poses a major threat to Texas agriculture. After hearing from Texas farmers, it’s clear we must act now,” De La Cruz said. “That’s why I am proud to lead the fight in stopping this new pest and working alongside Secretary Rollins to deploy effective solutions. Protecting Texas agriculture is my top priority, and I will fight to secure a strong future for Texas.”

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supports the legislation.

“Texas Farm Bureau supports the Mealybug Eradication Act. Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to productive grazing lands and the livestock industry, and we must be prepared to respond,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “This bill will help strengthen our understanding of the pest, improve preparedness and response capabilities and identify strategies to contain and eradicate it. We thank Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz for her leadership and support of Texas agriculture.”

Pasture mealybug was first reported in Texas in 2025 and has since been confirmed in 110 counties.

The insect attacks forage grasses, including Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, sorghum-sudangrass and several bluestem species.

Infestations are associated with pasture dieback, which can cause yellowing or reddening leaves, stunted growth, root reduction and eventually dead patches of grass.

In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a Section 18 crisis exemption for Centric 40WG insecticide to treat pasture mealybug. The exemption allows the product, which contains the active ingredient thiamethoxam, to be used in pastures to control the pest.

Pasture mealybug has also been identified in Louisiana, Florida and Georgia.

De La Cruz’s bill has 13 original co-sponsors, including 11 other members of the Texas congressional delegation.

TFB is among several agricultural organizations supporting the bill, along with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Citrus Mutual, Texas Vegetable Association, Texas International Produce Association, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Farm Bureau.