How do you control mealybugs on plants?

How do you control mealybugs on plants?

On small infestations on houseplants, a 70% or less solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in water may be dabbed directly on mealybugs with a cotton swab to kill them or remove them. Test the solution out on a small part of the plant 1 to 2 days beforehand to make sure it does not cause leaf burn (phytotoxicity).

What do you spray for mealybugs?

One method is to use a systemic bug control. Ortho® Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use is absorbed and held in the plant leaves and protect for up to 4 weeks. When the mealybugs feed on the plant, it kills them. The other way is to smother them with an oil spray, such as Ortho® Fruit Tree Spray.

How do I get rid of mealybugs without alcohol?

Mix together water, liquid dish soap, and neem oil in a spray bottle. Use 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of neem oil and 2-3 drops of dish soap. Neem oil is a vegetable oil that comes from neem trees that can be used to kill mealybugs. Spray the plant you’re treating until it’s soaked.

How do you control cotton mealybugs?

Chemical control is so far the best remedy to be employed to control cotton Mealybug. Profenofos, chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid were utilized extensively to suppress the population and found effective. Imidacloprid showed low levels of toxicity to natural predators and crop.

Why are mealybugs so bad?

They cause damage by sucking the juice from their host plants, and like many pests, mealybugs tend to favor new growth. Over time, their damage causes the leaves to yellow and eventually drop from the plant. They can also cause fruits, vegetables, and flower buds to prematurely drop off.

What kills mealybugs in the soil?

Mix up a solution of 1 part pure hydrogen peroxide (with no additives) to 4-5 parts water. Mix well and water the plant, making sure to thoroughly drench all parts of the soil. The hydrogen peroxide will fizz; that’s what kills the larvae and the eggs. Repeat in 2 weeks for a larger pot; in 7-10 days for a small pot.

How do you get rid of mealybugs with dish soap?

Homemade dish soap spray – Soap will suffocate mealybugs. Combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water and spray down your plant. Test the spray on one leaf before applying to the rest, and repeat every few days as needed.