Are your indoor plants struggling with mealybugs? Learn how to effectively eliminate these pests with a simple household remedy.
Dip a cotton pad in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the leaves of your plants to remove mealybugs. The alcohol kills the pests on contact, causing them to change color. Repeat this process regularly to control and prevent mealybug infestations. Be sure to use rubbing alcohol diluted with water for optimal results and avoid using 100% isopropyl alcohol, as it may harm your plants. Keep your indoor plants healthy and mealybug-free with this easy and natural solution.
Dip a q-tip, cotton bud, cotton ball or cotton pad in rubbing alcohol (not 100% isopropyl alcohol). Press that on to every adult you can find, wiping them off the leaves as you go. It works instantly and those evil fluff-balls will turn orangey-brown when dead.
What causes mealybugs on indoor plants?
Mealybugs like lush foliage, so avoid over-fertilizing with excess nitrogen. A citrus mealybug nymph crawls along a leaf. If mealybugs are present on only a few, small plants, you can try to reduce or eliminate infestations by washing off the plants.
What kills mealybugs on plants?
Mealybugs treated with alcohol will turn light brown in color. Be careful not to get the alcohol on the leaves of the plants as they may be damaged. For heavy infestations, spray the plants thoroughly with insecticidal soap for indoor plants or a registered houseplant spray.
How did my indoor plant get mealybugs?
They are primarily an indoor or greenhouse pest in New Hampshire because they cannot survive the winter outside. They are almost always introduced on infested plants that are brought into homes, making it critically important to scrutinize all purchased or gifted plants for pests before bringing them into your house.
Will changing soil get rid of mealybugs?
Changing the soil: sometimes eggs are hiding out in the soil and only treating the leaves and stems doesn’t take care of mealies for good. There are even some species of mealies that feed on roots! In these cases, you will need to completely change the soil.
How long does it take to get rid of mealybugs?
It may take weeks or even months of constant vigilance to end your mealybug woes. Even if you don’t see any on the plant, they are tiny, so they can’t really be seen unless there’s a lot of them; that, and they may emerge from crevices and hiding spots from the area around the plant just when you think they’re gone.
How do I get rid of mealybugs without killing my plants?
Wiping foliage regularly with a leaf shine solution containing neem oil may prevent mealybugs on susceptible plant species. With plants that can tolerate such treatment, regular spraying with hard blasts of water can prevent mealybug infestations from taking hold.
What is the best insecticide for mealybugs on houseplants?
Our top recommendation for mealybug control is Dominion 2L insecticide concentrate. This is a product that contains the active ingredient Imidacloprid and can safely be applied on your plants to get rid of mealybugs.
What is the best systemic insecticide for mealybugs?
Systemic insecticides may also be applied as foliar sprays, including dinotefuran (Safari), thiamethoxam (Flagship), imidacloprid (Marathon) and acetamiprid (Tristar) (MOA 4A).
Can you save a plant with mealybugs?
Yes, if the infestation is really bad, or you just want to do everything possible to get rid of the mealybugs as thoroughly and quickly as possible, the third step is to repot. You don’t have to if you’re concerned about how well your plant will recover, but it is recommended.
Can a plant recover from mealybugs?
The mealy situations mentioned above are bearable, and plants such as these will most likely recover quickly with a little assistance. Other times though, the plant can be so infested and damaged, that it’s best to just KILL IT WITH FIRE!
Does overwatering cause mealybugs?
Since mealybugs typically inhabit moist places, overwatering your houseplants can be a cause of attracting these pests. Many a time, overfertilization of succulents also creates the right ecosystem for their growth.
What eats mealybugs?
Minute pirate bugs feed on mealybugs. Crab spiders like this one, from the Thomisidae family, feed on mealybugs. Adult (left) and larva (right) of the mealybug destroyer lady beetle, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, feeds primarily on mealybug eggs.
Why do mealybugs keep coming back?
Maintain Your Plants Mealybugs are attracted to over-watered and over-fertilized plants, so make sure your plants drain well and do not overdo their feeding and watering. Keep your plant areas clean and clear of debris.
Do I need to repot after mealybugs?
In these cases, you will need to completely change the soil. Let the soil dry a bit, remove the plant from its container, then shake the soil off of the roots (preferably in an area where there aren’t other plants). Wash the roots clean, let them air dry, and then repot into fresh soil.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on mealybugs?
Rubbing alcohol is very effective for soft-bodied pests including mealybugs, scale, spider mites and aphids.
In conclusion, effectively combating mealybugs on indoor plants requires a multi-faceted approach including regular inspection, manual removal, natural predators like beneficial insects, and organic control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. By maintaining good plant hygiene and being vigilant in managing pest infestations, you can ensure the health and vitality of your indoor garden. Remember that a proactive and holistic approach is key to successfully eradicating mealybugs and keeping your plants thriving for years to come.