There are hundreds of insect species known collectively as mealybugs, nearly 300 of which are found in North America. They cause damage by sucking the juice from their host plants, especially from new growth.
In northern climates, they are principally a problem with houseplants and are found in private greenhouses but are rarely seen outdoors. In warmer climates, however, they can pose a serious problem for entire crops.
Read on for seven methods that help you get rid of mealybugs outside and on houseplants.
Banishing Mealybugs from African Mallow Shrubs
As a gardener, few things are more frustrating than discovering clusters of fuzzy white mealybugs on the stems and leaves of your prized African mallow shrubs. These tiny sap-sucking insects can quickly multiply and seriously damage your plants if left uncontrolled. While mealybugs are difficult to get rid of completely, there are several effective methods you can use to manage infestations and protect the health and beauty of your African mallows.
Understanding Mealybugs
Mealybugs belong to the family Pseudococcidae and there are numerous species that can infest plants. They have soft, segmented bodies covered with a powdery white wax coating. This waxy layer protects them from pesticides and natural predators. Mealybugs pierce plant tissues and suck out sap for nourishment which causes leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. Their sugary honeydew secretions also promote unsightly black sooty mold growth.
Checking Undersides of Leaves
A magnifying glass is useful for inspecting your African mallows closely for the presence of mealybugs. Look carefully along stems and on the undersides of leaves for white cottony masses or distinct segmented oval insects. Leaves may also be sticky from honeydew secretions. Catching infestations when they first start is vital to getting control.
Isolation and Pruning
If only a few mealybugs are detected, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Cut off severely infested stems and leaves and dispose of them away from your garden. Isolate plants with light infestations to avoid spreading mealybugs to healthy shrubs. Prune away stems harboring clusters of mealybugs.
Natural Predators
Ladybugs, lacewings, and certain tiny parasitoid wasps will prey on mealybugs when released in the garden. Attract these beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers. You can also purchase them from garden supply stores. Ensure they stick around by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps
Use insecticidal soaps or lightweight horticultural oils to coat plants and suffocate mealybugs while minimizing damage to plant tissues. Both should be sprayed directly on the insects for best results. Repeat applications are needed to kill newly emerged nymphs. Always test on a small area first and avoid applying during high temperatures.
Systemic Insecticides
Systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid or acephate can be applied to the soil for absorption by the roots. As the plant distributes the insecticide internally, mealybugs are killed from the inside when they feed. Downsides are that multiple applications are often needed and effectiveness on mature insects is limited. Exercise caution regarding toxicity.
Heat Treatment
Exposing infested African mallow plants to a temperature of 115°F for 30 minutes can kill mealybugs without causing damage. Use a small portable heater or clothes steamer. Monitor temperature carefully and treat entire plant for best results. This method avoids chemical residue on the plant.
Biological Insecticides
Insecticides based on entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, can control mealybugs when applied directly. The fungal spores infect and kill the insects over a period of days. Repeat applications are required for about 2 weeks. These biological insecticides are lower in toxicity compared to many chemicals.
Prevention Practices
Once mealybugs have been eliminated, you can help prevent future infestations on your African mallows by:
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Checking plants frequently to detect new colonies right away.
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Hosing plants down with a strong stream of water monthly.
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Avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization which encourages mealybugs.
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Increasing air circulation with proper spacing and pruning.
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Disinfecting garden tools and gloves between plants.
While mealybugs are challenging to get rid of completely, taking a multi-pronged approach using several of these methods together can effectively minimize the damage they cause. Be vigilant in monitoring your African mallow shrubs so you can get control before infestations explode out of hand. With persistent efforts, you can protect the health and appearance of your plants from these destructive sap-feeding pests. Your African mallows will once again be the stars of your garden.
Method 2: Use Isopropyl Alcohol
First, soak a cotton ball with isopropyl rubbing alcohol that contains no more than 70% alcohol. Test the alcohol on one leaf to ensure it doesnt cause damage before applying it to the whole plant. Next, wipe the mealybugs off with the cotton ball, which kills them instantly and removes them.
Repeat treatment weekly until the infestation is completely gone.
Method 4: Use Neem Oil
Mix neem oil, which is an organic insecticide. with a mild dish detergent and water (1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil, 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish detergent, and 1 gallon of warm water, or as directed on the product label).
Next, spray the neem oil on the plants in the morning or evening when beneficial insects are less active. The natural substance in neem oil affects an insects feeding abilities, growth, and development, plus acts as a repellent. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, neem oil is safe to use on vegetables and other edible plants, including ornamentals.
Repeat every seven days until the infestation is gone.
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs – Part 1 of Logee’s “Pest Prevention” Series
FAQ
How do you get rid of mealy bugs on African violets?
What is the fastest way to get rid of mealybugs?
How do you get rid of mealybugs on shrubs?
What is the best killer for mealybugs?
How do you get rid of mealybugs on a plant?
Mix into 1 quart of water and steep for 1 hour. Step 2: Strain through a cheesecloth and add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Mix well. Step 3: Spray the solution on the plant parts where mealybugs are present, including the underside of the leaves. Step 4: Repeat as needed after a few days if you detect more mealybugs.
How do you kill mealy bugs?
Here’s how to kill mealy bugs. As with soft-scale insects, an easy control method is to apply alcohol with cotton swabs directly on the mealybug. Wiping down the foliage regularly and helping keep plants clean will help keep these white fuzzy bugs in check. Related: Read Using Neem Oil To Clean Plant Leaves
Are mealybugs attracted to plants?
Mealybugs are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels and soft growth; they may appear if you overwater and over-fertilize your plants. Properly watering and feeding plants does not only lowers the risk of plants getting mealybugs, it is also crucial for preventing plant diseases. Like most pests, the best control for mealybugs is defensive.
Can you use neem oil on mealybugs?
As with soft-scale insects, an easy control method is to apply alcohol with cotton swabs directly on the mealybug. Wiping down the foliage regularly and helping keep plants clean will help keep these white fuzzy bugs in check. Related: Read Using Neem Oil To Clean Plant Leaves For an insecticide, we use neem oil on mealybugs.