How to Get Rid of Mealybugs
About Mealybugs
Mealybugs are commonly referred to as, white fluffy bugs on houseplants. Their oval-shaped bodies and distinct antennas are very recognizable. They multiply very fast and it can be challenging to keep a mealybug infestation under control. Mealybugs love to feed off of perennial plants and suck the sap from the plant phloem. Over time this honeydew extraction can be detrimental to the health of your plants. This step by step guide will walk you through identifying, treating, and preventing mealybug infestations.
Identifying Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, but they are visible to the human eye. They form in clusters and have a white complexion. They can be easily confused with scale insects because they are part of the same family and have a similar shape and size. You will find mealy bugs under leaves and on stems.
Common Warning Signs of Mealybugs
Wilting or curling leaves.
Yellow or brown discoloration in the leaves.
May cause vegetables to drop fruit or prevent it from completely forming.
Black sooty mold may be present.
Ways to Get Rid of Mealybugs
The Heavy Watering Method
Depending on how large your plant is, you may try to submerge your plant completely under water or give it a thorough watering. If the mealybugs have already formed clusters it may be too late for this method.
The Alcohol Method
Mix one part water and one part 70-90% Isopropyl Alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray each leaf with the concoction and wipe clean with a q-tip, cotton swab, or paper towel. Continue this process until you do not see any more mealybugs. Mealybugs reproduce incredibly fast so keep a close eye on your plant to see if the infestation begins to come back.
The Dish Soap Method
Grab a spray bottle, fill it mostly with water, add some dish soap and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Spray the solution on each of the leaves and all the way down the stem. Wipe completely clean with a paper towel. After treatment, water the plant to prevent shock.
The Neem Oil Method
Consider using neem oil to get rid of mealybugs. Repeat the processes every 3-4 days for a few weeks or until the infestation completely goes away.
The Lady Bug Method
A natural predator of the mealybug are ladybugs. Depending on where you are keeping your plant or if you do not have a problem releasing 100 ladybugs in your home, it may be a good option for you. Local garden centers should be able to supply you with some live ladybugs.
WARNING: some pesticides are known to be toxic if ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. It may cause moderate eye or skin irritation. Always read labels of the products you are using the proper safety equipment.
It's Time For Pesticides
If no other method has worked and you are looking for a stronger alternative, there are many different types of mealybug pesticides on the market. Be cautious when using pesticides on certain types of plants and around pets and children. Follow the additional warnings when using pesticides.
What Causes Mealybugs?
Mealybugs can make its way into your home in many different ways. These types of bugs are able to travel from one plant to the next very quickly, meaning plant nurseries are susceptible to mealybug epidemics. This means you may bring an already infested plant into your home without knowing. Mealy bugs are attracted to warm and moist climates. To prevent this make sure not to over water your plants and keep the temperature under control.
Mealybugs vs. Scale
Scale bugs have a brown complexion and unlike mealybugs they do not produce any honeydew. They get their nutrients by sucking on epidermal cells and inject toxins into your plant leaves and stems. These toxins will cause yellow, red, and brown spots on fruits and leaves. Mealybugs are fluffy and white with their distinct antennas and they suck the sap out of your plant. Below is a close-up side by side to show the differences between the two.
Mealybugs
Scale Insects
Mealybug Prevention
It is good practice to check all of your plants before bringing them home from the plant nursery for any unwanted diseases or pests like mealybugs. Make sure that you are taking care of your plants basic needs, such as soil, watering, humidity, and temperature requirements. This may protect you from a mealy bug infestation. Do weekly checks on all your plants to catch pests and diseases early, so you can isolate infected plants before its too late.
Frequently Asked Question’s
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Depending on the environment the mealybugs have adapted too, its possible for these tiny white bugs to live up to 2 months old. They go through 5 stages on both the male and female side.
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Generally, female mealybugs lay 300-500 eggs on the underside of plant leaves. For every female comes eggs, which means they spread incredibly fast. In bad cases, you can treat the entire plant and wake up the next morning back at square one.
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Mealybug eggs look like small white specs near the other mealybugs. You can view these eggs more clearly under a magnifying glass.
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Yes, ladybugs are natural predators for mealybugs. You may want to release ladybugs in your garden or nursery to naturally get rid of mealybugs.