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Just noticed that my cactus hidden behind curtains over the winter have been eaten.  They plant has gone brown and scabby where it looks as if has een attacked.  Can't see anything on it though.  Any suggestions on what caused it and how to get rid would be welcome.  Thanks

I've had moth caterpillars have ago at plants (ID'd as the moth of the yellow underwing) otherwise has a bit died and dropped off?

i think I've read theres a reason for the signs you mentioned over watering or too cold some thing similar

It sounds like you may have Mealy Bug on your cactus.

It isn't always visible.

Mealy bug is like a very small bug that looks like a miniature woodlouse.  It protects itself by producing a white "fluffy" covering, which it hides under and then eats your plant. 

You will normally find them either on the very top of the cactus, or under new clumping growth.

Treating it is very easy if you can find them.  I use surgical spirit and a small paint brush.  Just wet the paint brush and then dab onto the fluffy covering, or onto the mealy bugs if you can see them.  There are pesticide sprays available, but personally I haven't found them to be as effective.  And as always, they are much more expensive than a small bottle of surgical spirit.

This method was my grandads way, and I have used it for the last 20 years.

Hope this is helpful

Ruth

I used to treat it the same way. Look over the plants and if you see any small woolly patches - they're usually in the joints - dab them.