Viewing post #2926138 by Baja_Costero

You are viewing a single post made by Baja_Costero in the thread called mealy bugs!.
Image
May 6, 2023 8:17 PM CST
Name: Baja
Baja California (Zone 11b)
Cactus and Succulents Seed Starter Xeriscape Container Gardener Hummingbirder Native Plants and Wildflowers
Garden Photography Region: Mexico Plant Identifier Forum moderator Plant Database Moderator Garden Ideas: Level 2
We have a thread dedicated to pest problems, maybe check that out for more ideas ...

The thread "Succulent Pests & Diseases" in Cactus and Succulents forum

I have intermittent issues with mealy bugs and a few things come to mind. Often one treatment is not sufficient to resolve the problem, because presumably there are little tiny ones that you can't see, like offspring of the large adults you have seen, that need to be eliminated as well. So I would go with a weekly treatment of the main surfaces, and use dilute soapy water (eg. the Safer product) instead of alcohol because it tends to be kinder on the skin of small plants when you ramp up the frequency. Whenever you do use alcohol, dilute it to 70%, and probably get a better effect.

So start by physically removing all the bugs you can see and reach (subtract them and their nests from the situation). Then do the spot spray (ideally spray the whole plant) and follow up with a drizzle on the nearby surfaces a few days to a week later. Repeat as necessary, or more than you might think is necessary. Don't do this to plants in the sun (or move them to a protected area after you spray). The product only works in the liquid phase, and you want to allow that some time to work before it all evaporates.

And it's hard to stress enough how important the simple act of vigilance (like regular careful inspection once you know a plant is vulnerable) makes a huge difference in keeping these things from spiraling out of control.
Last edited by Baja_Costero May 6, 2023 8:22 PM Icon for preview

« Return to the thread "mealy bugs!"
« Return to Cactus and Succulents forum
« Return to the Garden.org homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by IrisLilli and is called "Welsh Poppy and Wall"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.