Mealybugs are some of the easier to identify pests. They have soft-bodies, oval shape and white cottony appearance. The eggs laid by adults though are encased in a waxy cover. Damage caused by mealybugs can include leaf yellowing, distorted growth, and black mould.
Here are my tips for treating mealybugs.
How to get rid of mealybugs
- For very light infestation you can use a cotton bud dipped in 70% Isopropyl alcohol to individually kill mealybugs. The insects will dissolve the instance the alcohol touches them.
- For medium infestation you can make a mix to spray your plants by adding equal parts 70% alcohol and water. Another great and organic treatment that can be applied both as spray and soil drench is Neem oil and/or horticultural soap. Follow the instruction on the packaging for frequency and quantity.
- For really heavy infestations: remove the affected plant gently of it pot and submerge in a bucket full of water for 20-30 minutes (or until you see the mealybugs starting to float at the surface). Take it out and clean the plant further with a hose or shower head (remove as much soil from the roots as possible). Plant in a new pot.
- For heavy infestations you can also use Insecticidal Sprays.
How to prevent mealybugs:
- Using Neem oil sprays as a preventive measure.
- Check on your plants regularly, including under the leaves.
- Check any new plants and place them in 'quarantine' for few weeks before introducing them to your collection
- Wipe leaves regularly
Photo by Alexlutor - Picture I took from my garden Previously published: https://www.facebook.com/photo..., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/...
