How do I control mealybug?

How do I control mealybug?

How to control mealybugs on houseplants

If you notice that your houseplant is developing a spiderweb-like, white, sticky substance, there’s a good chance your plant is infested with mealybugs. This sticky substance protects the mealybugs well, and eggs are laid within it. Mealybugs pierce a hole into the plant and then suck the sap out. This weakens the plant and can even lead to its death. It’s important to take action immediately if you notice that your houseplant has mealybugs.

Preventing Mealybugs

There is no specific way to prevent mealybugs on a houseplant. However, make sure your houseplants are never exposed to drafts. Drafts can increase the risk of mealybug infestations.

Different types of Mealybugs

Within the mealybug family, there are different variants, each with its own plant preference:

  1. Citrus Mealybug (Planiococcus citri): This mealybug is the most common and prefers plants like Ficus, Croton, Palms, and Schefflera. Not only does it affect houseplants, but it’s also harmful to many ornamental plants such as cut flowers, cacti, and citrus trees. This variant lives for about 40 days, and the eggs of the Citrus Mealybug hatch within 2 weeks, laying up to 100 eggs at a time!

  2. Short-tailed Mealybug (Pseudococcus affinis): This variant is not commonly found on houseplants. It’s more well-known as the tomato mealybug because it has a strong preference for tomato plants.

  3. Long-tailed Mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus): This is a common variant found on houseplants, especially Dracaena and Croton.

Spread of Mealybugs

Mealybugs are between 3 and 6 millimeters long and live in large groups. They are covered with a white, spider-web-like substance that primarily consists of wax threads. This substance protects the mealybugs from predators and also provides a secure place for eggs. Mealybugs do not spread over long distances; they are often carried by us humans. They are most commonly introduced by clothing, where they then re-nest in your plants.

During warmer seasons, the mealybug lays its eggs. Not just one egg at a time but hundreds all at once. Within one or two weeks, these eggs will hatch, and a full-blown infestation can quickly develop!

Location of Mealybugs on the plant

Mealybugs are one of the few pests that are found worldwide. Each species has its own preference for location on the plant. The most common mealybug doesn’t care where on the plant it settles; you can find them anywhere, both on the leaves and the stem!

Treating Mealybugs

As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to act immediately when you notice mealybugs. However, controlling mealybugs isn’t very complicated, and the control measures are often at hand. The best method for controlling mealybugs is water! Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the mealybugs and their eggs. You can be fairly vigorous, but take care not to damage the plant itself. This method, however, won’t immediately remove all mealybugs.

If you prefer quicker results, there are plenty of biological and chemical control options available. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and check if the particular control method is safe for your type of plant.