Learn the best way to eliminate these common plant pests.
Key Takeaways
Mealybugs can pose a serious threat, especially to young plants.
Unfortunately, they can seriously damage and even kill previouslyhealthy greenery.
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Preventing and eliminating mealybugs will help protect your plants and ensure they flourish.
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What Are Mealybugs?
you’re able to spot mealybugs by their white, cottony appearance.
They are small, flat, and waxy, with oval, segmented bodies.
Mealybugs are actually quite small, usually between 1/20 and 1/5-inch long.
They prefer warm temperatures and are oftenfound in houseplantsor outdoor plants in the summer.
“Mealybugs are covered in a waxy, cotton-like substance that gives them their distinctive appearance.
Youll typically find these masses on leaves, stems, and in plant crevices.”
The most common mealybug variety in plants is the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri).
Mealybugs often flock to plant crevices, making them easy to overlook until an infestation occurs.
Using a magnifying glass to inspect crevices in your plants can help you spot mealybugs before they spread.
They have a life cycle that includes egg, nymph, adult, and sterile male stages.
Mealybugs reproduce in large numbers, with female mealybugs laying between 300 to 600 eggs in their lifetime.
Their ability to reproduce quickly can cause infestations to spread rapidly.
These clusters can range in size from small groups to larger masses, resembling fluffy white cotton balls.
The presence of these clusters is a telltale sign of a mealybug infestation.
Sticky Honeydew
Another sign of a mealybug infestation is the sticky honeydew that mealybugs secrete.
The honeydew can spur black sooty mold to grow and also attract ants.
The honeydew excreted by mealybugs can attract ants, creating an unhealthy partnership, Silver says.
These ants will protect the mealybugs from predators, making it even more challenging to control the infestation.
Wilting Plants
You will also see signs in your plants if you have a severe mealybug infestation.
Your plants may grow slowly or abnormally or have wilting leaves.
They may twist into contorted shapes or have abnormal flower formations.
Fruits, vegetables, and flowers may drop off your plants.
As mealybugs feed on plant sap, leaves may yellow, wilt, or drop prematurely.
Once you notice an infestation, here’s how to tackle it, step by step.
Early detection is key to preventing their spread."
If you spot mealy bugs,promptly pruneand remove affected plant parts.
Isolate infested plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
Isolating affected plants is crucial to stop the spread of mealybugs.
It helps deter mealybugs, preventing them from climbing up your plants.
Neem oilis another natural remedy to eliminate mealybugs.
Spray your affected plants once a week until the mealybugs are gone.
Mix a solution that’s no more than 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.
Wait a day or two to see if burns show up.
Some insecticides can kill mealybugs but require special care for your plants and the environment.
Again, seek expert advice before using a chemical pesticide.
Here’s what else you might do.
(Remember, don’t over-water or over-fertilize.)
Also, it’s important to keep your plant areas clean and clear of debris.
These organic materials can serve as hiding places and food sources for mealybugs.
Thoroughly clean your gardening tools as well to prevent the accidental spread of mealybugs between plants.
Rotate Your Collection
If you have an extensive plant collection, Silver suggests periodically rotating their positions.
Mealybugs tend to settle in certain areas and establish themselves.
Rotating plants can disrupt mealybugs breeding and prevent infestations from spreading.
you’re free to also create barriers using sticky tape applied around the base of pots.
In extreme cases, it’s better to discard the plant to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Dish soap, like Dawn, could get rid of mealybugs by acting as a contact insecticide.
However, it is more effective when combined with rubbing alcohol and water.
The rubbing alcohol dissolves the outer coating, making the mealybugs more vulnerable to the dish soap.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR).
Borah R, Kasturi Sarmah.Latest Trends in ENTOMOLOGY AGRICULTURE.Integrated Publications TM.
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