Viewing post #3086487 by Baja_Costero

You are viewing a single post made by Baja_Costero in the thread called Fatal mealy worms on Blue Crested Cactus?.
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Apr 9, 2024 2:47 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
Lucy has given good advice. You kind of have to physically remove them one by one. I use a toothbrush, but whatever tool you like is fine.

The good news is they are no longer mobile at that point, so they won't crawl back. Alcohol tends not to kill the sedentary adults because of their hard outer layer (until you remove them), but it does work better on the juveniles, the life stage where the bugs are still mobile. 70% alcohol in a fine spray is good for this purpose.

Also consider using a systemic insecticide (you water it into the soil, then it is taken up by the plant) as a preventive measure to help reduce reinfestation.

Scale bugs are a recurring problem with this cactus in my experience (the crested form, not the normal one). If you want to keep it, you have to be vigilant and act early to make them go away. Also be aware that susceptibility can be reduced with good care (including lots of light, water in moderation).
Last edited by Baja_Costero Apr 9, 2024 2:54 PM Icon for preview

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