Longtailed mealybug is common throughout the major fruit growing regions of the North Island and in Nelson, and is absent in the southernmost regions. It's pest status in pipfruit is greatest in the north of the North island. This reflects its preference for the warmer northern climate. Longtailed mealybug occurs in many parts of the world and is thought to originate from Australia. It was first recorded in New Zealand in 1890.

Longtailed mealybug is probably most widely known as a pest of citrus but it also attacks many other fruit crops and ornamentals. It is a pest on indoor and glasshouse plants throughout New Zealand.