Got mealybugs on your indoor plants? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with three ways to learn how to kick these pesky invaders to the curb:
I’ve been helping with plant care for thousands of our customers and one of the most common issues is mealy bugs which freaks a lot of novice plant beginners.
If you notice that your plant looks like it is covered with snow or leaves have some white spots, your plant is under the attack of Mealybugs.
Mealybugs are a common menace to gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts alike. These small, sap-sucking insects can cause significant damage to a wide range of plants.
If I notice a mealybug infestation, which is typically recognized by white, cottony deposits on the leaves and stems of my plants, it’s crucial to act quickly.
These pests reproduce rapidly and can lead to a full-blown infestation in no time, weakening plants by sucking out the sap, causing yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and potentially plant death.
Mealybugs are a common pest that can infest both outdoor and indoor plants. These small, sap-sucking insects secrete a powdery white wax that covers their bodies and gives them their distinguishable cotton-like appearance. While they may look harmless, mealybugs can cause significant damage to plants if left untreated. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what mealybugs are, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to get rid of mealybugs on your plants once and for all.
What Are Mealybugs?
Mealybugs belong to the Pseudococcidae family, with nearly 300 species found in North America alone. They are oval-shaped, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap from plants. As they feed, mealybugs secrete honeydew, a sticky sugary substance. This honeydew can promote mold growth and attract other pests like ants.
Mealybugs go through multiple nymph stages before reaching adulthood During these stages, they develop their distinctive waxy coating which protects them from predators and insecticides Females can lay up to 600 eggs in a cottony sac. After hatching, the crawlers spread out to find new feeding sites. Mealybugs develop from egg to adult in about 1-2 months depending on species and environment.
How to Identify a Mealybug Infestation
Detecting a mealybug infestation early is key to saving your plants. Here are the signs to look out for:
- White cottony sacs on stems and leaf joints – these contain eggs
- White waxy coatings on leaves and stems
- Clusters of small oval insects on stems and undersides of leaves
- Stunted, yellowing, or wilting leaves
- Honeydew secretions leading to black sooty mold
- Ants feeding on honeydew secretions
Indoor plants like orchids, ferns, and palms are prone to mealybugs Outdoors, mealybugs affect citrus trees, grapes, and other fruits Check new plants thoroughly for signs before introducing them.
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Plants
If you find mealybugs on your plants, taking prompt action is key. Here are organic, chemical-free methods to get rid of mealybugs and restore your plants’ health:
Remove Visible Mealybugs
For light infestations, manually removing the insects is effective. Use a toothpick or tweezers to scrape them off stems and leaves. Repeat every few days until gone. Be sure to check hard-to-reach areas between leaves and stems.
Follow up with a strong stream of water to dislodge any remaining mealybugs. Insecticidal soap or neem oil (see below) can also help eliminate any stragglers.
Apply Alcohol
A cotton swab or cotton ball soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol makes for an easy mealybug treatment. The alcohol dissolves the waxy coating and kills mealybugs on contact.
Test on one leaf first to ensure the plant can tolerate it before treating the whole plant. Wipe leaves, stems, and joints to remove all visible insects. Repeat weekly until the infestation clears.
Use Neem Oil
As a natural insecticide, neem oil is highly effective against mealybugs. It disrupts their growth and development cycles.
Mix 1-2 Tbsp neem oil with 1 tsp mild soap in 1 gallon of warm water. Use a spray bottle to coat all leaf surfaces, including the undersides. Apply it early morning or at night to avoid harming pollinators. Treat plants weekly until mealybugs are gone.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps made from potassium salts of fatty acids can kill mealybugs while being safe for plants. Apply these soaps directly on and under foliage. Ensure full coverage for best results.
For a DIY option, mix 1 tsp mild soap with 1 gallon of water. Test on a small area first before spraying plants. Reapply every 5-7 days until mealybugs are eliminated.
Use Organic Pesticides
Derived from plants, organic pesticides are available to target mealybugs. Products with active ingredients like plant oils and citric acid can be sprayed directly on plants. Always follow label directions carefully. Rotate between different products to prevent resistance.
Apply pesticides early morning or at dusk when pollinators are less active. Repeat applications may be needed for full control. Do not use these pesticides on edible plants.
Release Beneficial Insects
Natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can be purchased and released onto plants to control mealybugs. They are best suited for greenhouses and outdoor plants.
Attract these beneficials by planting pollen and nectar sources nearby. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides which can inadvertently kill them. Monitor plants and release more predators if needed.
Discard Heavily Infested Plants
For houseplants with severe mealybug infestations, it may be best to discard the plant. Mealybugs may spread to your other plants if kept. Outdoor shrubs and trees can be pruned back heavily to remove infested parts.
Preventing Mealybugs on Plants
While dealing with an active infestation is important, prevention is ideal to avoid issues altogether. Here are some tips:
- Carefully inspect new plants before bringing home
- Quarantine new plants away from existing plants for 1-2 weeks
- Provide adequate spacing between plants
- Avoid overwatering and overfertilizing
- Use a pebble tray for humidity rather than frequent misting
- Remove ant access to reduce honeydew feeding
- Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soap preventively
- Release beneficial insects like ladybugs in your greenhouse
Catching infestations early and using organic control methods are the best ways to get rid of mealybugs on plants. With prompt treatment and preventive care, you can protect your plants from these troublesome pests.
Have Any Tips or Questions?
Many of you have shared your own effective strategies on how to get rid of mealybugs in plants, and your success stories have been truly inspiring. These community tips are incredibly valuable, and I encourage everyone to keep contributing in the comments below.
Together, we can discover new approaches and learn from each other’s experiences. So, if you have questions or more tips to share, don’t hesitate—your insights could be the key someone else needs!
What is the best home remedy for mealybugs?
A mixture of rubbing alcohol and water applied directly to the mealybugs with a cotton swab or spray bottle is considered one of the best home remedies for treating mealybugs. This method is effective in killing the pests on contact without harming the plant if used sparingly.
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs – Part 1 of Logee’s “Pest Prevention” Series
FAQ
What kills mealybugs instantly?
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Dabbing with Alcohol:
- Dip a cotton swab, bud, ball, or pad in 70% rubbing alcohol.
- Gently dab the alcohol directly onto the mealybugs.
- The alcohol will kill them on contact.
- Mealybugs treated with alcohol will turn light brown.
- Dip a cotton swab, bud, ball, or pad in 70% rubbing alcohol.
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Important Considerations:
- Test on a Small Area: Before applying alcohol to the entire plant, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause leaf burn or damage.
- Be Careful with Leaves: Avoid getting alcohol on the leaves themselves, as it can cause damage.
- Repeat as Needed: You may need to repeat this process weekly or as needed until the infestation is gone.
- Test on a Small Area: Before applying alcohol to the entire plant, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause leaf burn or damage.
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Other Methods:
- Neem oil: Neem oil can be mixed with water and dish soap and sprayed on plants to control mealybugs.
- Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap can be used to kill mealybugs by coating them and preventing them from breathing.
- Predatory insects: Some predatory insects, like lace bugs, parasitoid wasps, and the mealybug destroyer, can be introduced to control mealybug infestations.
- Washing off plants: A strong spray of warm water can dislodge mealybugs from plants.
- Neem oil: Neem oil can be mixed with water and dish soap and sprayed on plants to control mealybugs.
Will Dawn dish soap kill mealybugs?
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How it works:Dish soap, when mixed with water, creates a soapy solution that disrupts the mealybug’s waxy coating and can suffocate them, leading to their death.
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Application:
- Mix a small amount of dish soap (like Dawn) with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution thoroughly on the plant, focusing on areas where mealybugs are visible, including the undersides of leaves and stems.
- You can also use a cotton swab or brush dipped in the solution to dab mealybugs directly.
- Repeat the application every few days as needed.
- Mix a small amount of dish soap (like Dawn) with water in a spray bottle.
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Important notes:
- Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
- Consider adding a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the solution to further enhance its effectiveness.
- If the infestation is severe, consider using a stronger solution or consulting with a professional.
- Isolate infested plants to prevent the spread of mealybugs to other plants.
- Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the plant first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Can vinegar get rid of mealybugs?
Vinegar. Vinegar will also kill mealybugs. Spray your plants with a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water to get rid of the bugs. Unlike other options, vinegar is actually beneficial to certain plants, but should still be used very carefully as it will harm most plant species.
What causes mealybugs on 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.
How do you remove mealybugs from plants?
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to remove mealybugs from your plants. Here’s how to do it: Mix the solution: Mix the insecticidal soap according to the instructions on the label. In general, you’ll need to mix one tablespoon of soap per quart of water.
What happens if you don’t get rid of mealybugs?
A mealybug infestation will cause leaves to lose color and wilt. If you don’t get rid of mealybugs, they can end up killing your plants. The classic sign of a mealybug infestation is tiny white bugs on plants. Mealybugs are a type of insect belonging to the family Pseudococcidae.
How do I get rid of mealybugs?
Treat each generation. For late season (preharvest) control of leafhopper species, apply MERIT® 0.5 SC Insecticide while most leafhoppers are in the nymphal stage. For optimal control of mealybug, insure good spray coverage of the trunk and scaffolding limbs or other resting sites of the mealybug.