(Read more on how to use neem oil.) Dispose of affected plants: The oil will coat and suffocate eggs, nymphs and adults. Neem oil is a natural remedy derived from the neem tree. You can also make your own solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of mild liquid soap such as Castile or Ivory with 1 quart of water. Use insecticidal soap:įor heavier indoor or outdoor infestations, use an insecticidal soap, such as Safer's. If the infestation is localized, trim out affected branches and dispose in the garbage. For larger infestations, a 10-25% solution diluted with water can be applied with a spray bottle. Test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause leaf burn. Soak a cotton ball in the alcohol and dab affected areas, which will remove and kill insects. These include lacewings, spiders, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, minute pirate bugs, and a lady beetle known as a mealybug destroyer. Introduce natural predators:įor outdoor and greenhouse environments, beneficial insects that prey on mealybugs offer natural pest control. To control honeydew and sooty mold, wipe down affected leaves with a damp cloth or spray with water. Take care not to spray too hard to avoid damage to plant tissues. If mealybugs are present, try these tips: Spray with water:For lighter infestations, mealybug adults, nymphs and eggs can be dislodged with a gentle spray of water. These remedies are more effective on young nymphs, which have less protection. Their outer wax coating acts as a shield, making it difficult to eradicate mealybugs with soap or oils. Video: Taking Care of Mealybugs on Houseplants, from Garden Answer Mealybugs excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can cause secondary problems, such as sooty mold or attracting ants. As they feed, some species may inject toxins or plant pathogens into host plants. Mealybugs have sucking mouthparts that are used to extract sap from plants. Mealybugs reproduce quickly and in large numbers, making them difficult to control and eradicate. Mealybugs crawl and move slowly, so will not rapidly disperse on their own.Īdult females are wingless, while adult males, which are seldom seen, are wasp-like in appearance and are winged and flying. Mealybugs are related to scale however, unlike scale, they retain their legs throughout their life cycle. The white or pale pink body is oval and distinctly segmented, with a white or gray cottony wax coating. Mealybugs are small soft-bodied insects that are 1/20 to 1/5 inch in size. On this page: What Are Mealybugs? | Types of Mealybugs | Get Rid of Mealybugs | Prevent Mealybugs | Recognize the Presence of Mealybugs | Identify Damage | Plants Susceptible | Frequently Asked Questions In colder regions, they can be present outdoors during warmer summer months.īecause mealybugs reproduce frequently and in large numbers, it’s crucial to recognize the early signs in order to control and eradicate these pests. Mealybugs thrive in warmer temperatures and are most often found on houseplants, greenhouse-grown specimens, or outdoor landscape plants in warm climates. The damage they cause can look similar to that of other pests, so it’s important to properly identify the source before treating affected plants. A common garden pest, mealybugs can wreak havoc on indoor and outdoor plants if not kept in check.
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