Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on plant resin. Even if they are very small, they can cause serious damage to your plants and garden if they are not eliminated. If your plants start to wither and die, mealybugs could be responsible. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get rid of them to keep your garden green and healthy.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Eliminate Mild Infestations with Alcohol
Step 1. Soak a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Don't use other types of alcohol or you may damage the plants you need to treat.
Step 2. Rub the stick on the surface of the infested plant
Make sure you go under the leaves and inside the depressions in the branches. Mealybugs have a tendency to hide in hard-to-reach places, so it's important to treat the plant everywhere.
Step 3. Use a spray bottle to apply alcohol to larger plants
Fill it with detanated alcohol and spray it on the surface of the plants infested with mealybugs.
Step 4. Remove all the mealybugs you see on the plant
These insects are small, white, and with a waxy coating. Grab them with your hands and throw them in the trash.
Mealybugs don't bite, but you can wear gardening gloves if you'd rather not get your fingers dirty with their waxy coating
Step 5. Repeat the treatment every week until all the mealybugs are eliminated
Since these insects are adept at hiding, you'll likely need to apply the alcohol several times before killing them all. Even if you no longer see mealybugs, it is still a good idea to repeat the application so as not to take any risks.
You will know that you have eliminated all the mealybugs when you no longer see them on the plant, which will become green and healthy again
Method 2 of 4: Use Neem Oil for Potted or Shaded Plants
Step 1. Mix water, washing up liquid, and neem oil in a spray bottle
Use a tablespoon of neem oil and two to three drops of detergent. Neem oil is a vegetable oil made from the neem tree, which can be used to kill mealybugs.
Step 2. Spray the plant you are treating until it is completely wet
Be sure to spray under the leaves, at the base of the branches and above the ground. You have to completely smother the mealybugs with the oil-based mixture.
Step 3. Move the plants to dry in a shady area
Do not keep them exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat, otherwise they may burn. If you are applying the treatment to plants in the underground garden, wait for a cloudy day when the temperature does not exceed 30 ° C.
Step 4. Spray the solution on the plant once a week until all mealybugs are eliminated
An application will probably not be enough. Since these insects have a short life cycle, you will need to regularly kill new ones until the infestation is eradicated.
If the plant looks healthy and you no longer see mealybugs, you have probably eliminated all of them
Method 3 of 4: Using Insecticides
Step 1. Prune the infested branches before applying an insecticide
You can recognize them because they have a white waxy coating. Pruning the plant will eliminate part of the scale insects and the insecticide will be more effective because the insects will have fewer hiding places available.
Step 2. Use an insecticide designed for ornamental plants
Check the product label if you are unsure. Avoid using different insecticides or you could damage the plant you are treating.
Some ornamental plant insecticides you can use to kill mealybugs are acetate, malathione, carbaryl, and diazinone
Step 3. Spray the plant until it is completely wet with the insecticide
You should see the product dripping from the leaves and branches. Make sure you also apply it under the leaves and at the base of the branches.
Follow the application instructions on the insecticide for best results
Step 4. Repeat the application regularly until all scale insects are eliminated
It may take more than one treatment to kill all the insects on the plant. Consult the instructions for the product you are using, so you know how often you can use it without harming the plant.
If the plant is fine and you can't see any more mealybugs, you've probably killed them all
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Cochineal Infestations
Step 1. Inspect new plants for mealybugs before planting them in the garden
Look for small, round bugs covered in white wax. If you find them on a new plant, pick them up and throw them away. If there are a lot of them, you may have to throw the plant away or return it to the nursery.
Never introduce a mealybug infested plant into your garden, or the insects will spread to healthy specimens
Step 2. Check your plants regularly for mealybugs
Serious infestations of these insects are easier to prevent if you eliminate smaller colonies frequently. If you discover mealybugs on one of your plants, pick them up with your hands. If the infestation on one plant is severe, remove it from the garden so it doesn't contaminate the others.
Step 3. Throw away any garden tools infested with mealybugs
These insects can nest on shovels, shears and pots. Always check your tools and do not use them if they are contaminated, or you risk spreading the infestation to your plants.
Step 4. If possible, do not fertilize plants with nitrogen
High nitrogen levels accelerate the reproduction of scale insects. If your plants don't need this type of fertilizer, use products that don't contain nitrogen.
