How to Get Rid Of Mealybugs On Plants

There are hundreds of species of insects collectively known as scale insects, nearly 300 of which are found in North America. They are small oval, 1/10 to 1/4 inch sap-sucking insects that secrete a waxy powdery substance as a protective coating.

This coating has a white cottony appearance, making it easy to identify scale insects when they appear on plant stems and leaves.

Mealybugs are warm-weather insects, therefore in northern climates they are primarily a problem with houseplants and greenhouses and are rarely seen outdoors. In warmer climates, however, they can pose a serious problem for whole crops.

Mealybugs are related to mealybugs. They cause damage by sucking the juice from their host plants and, like many pests, mealybugs tend to promote new growth. Over time, their damage causes the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant.

They can also cause a premature drop of fruit, vegetable, and flower buds. In a severe infestation, their waxy excretions (also known as honeydew) stimulate the growth of sooty fungi.

What Causes Mealybugs?

Mealybugs tend to be attracted to certain plants that are heavy on the juices they prefer to feed on. Citrus trees are particularly susceptible and scale insects can pose a serious threat to some commercial crops such as mangoes. Mealybugs can infest various indoor plants, especially tropical species.

Mealybugs are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels and smooth growth; They can appear if you overwater and fertilize your plants.

7 ways to get rid of bed bugs on plants

1. Wash the mealybugs

Mealybugs can be removed with a steady stream of water. Repeat the treatment as needed. This is best for light infestations and some plants cannot tolerate this type of vigorous treatment.

2. Use rubbing alcohol

Soak a cotton ball in regular rubbing alcohol and wipe them off with the scales, which will kill and remove them. Use a solution that does not contain more than 70% isopropyl alcohol and test it on a leaf before applying it to the entire plant to make sure the alcohol does not burn it.

3. Spray with insecticidal soap

Insecticidal soaps are commercially available (like Safer's Insecticidal Soap) or you can make your own with dish soap like Ivory Liquid. Try to find a product without perfumes and additives that can harm plants.

Mix the soap in a weak concentration with water (starting with 1 teaspoon per gallon and increasing as needed). Spray the soapy solution on the plants.

4. Use neem oil

Neem oil is a natural substance derived from the neem tree. When used as directed, it affects the feeding ability of insects and acts as a repellent. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, neem oil is safe to use on vegetables and other edible plants, as well as ornamental plants.

5. Introduce predatory insects

Mealybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps (Leptomastix dactylopii), and a beetle sometimes known as a "scale insect killer" (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) are natural predators of mealybugs.

They are most commonly used for infestations outdoors or in greenhouse situations and are available from commercial online retailers.

6. Use homemade bug spray

To make a batch of homemade insecticide, combine 1 garlic bulb, 1 small onion, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper in a food processor or blender and process to a paste. Mix in 1 liter of water and let it rest for 1 hour. Clean with cheesecloth and add 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent.

Mix well. The mixture can be stored for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Spray the solution on the parts of the plant where there are scale insects.

7. Use synthetic chemical pesticides

Several stronger insecticides are approved for use against scales, but the protection that wax provides to insects can make them less effective.

Be careful when using these chemicals, especially indoors. The strongest pesticides have varying degrees of toxicity to humans.

We hope you enjoy this video about 8 easy solutions for mealybugs:

Source: Harli G

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Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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