How to get rid of mealybugs

In the process of growing succulent plants, the succulent branches and leaves will be covered with small white insects, which will densely adsorb on the leaves and suck the juice. In serious cases, the stems and leaves of the plants will die. After the temperature rises in spring, it is the peak period of mealybugs. If mealybugs are born on succulents, what methods should be used to control them?

Why are mealybugs dangerous for succulents?

Mealybugs are a kind of common pests for flowers. Succulent plants and cactus plants are more likely to breed more mealybugs. The plants' leaves have more fleshy pulp, which appeals to the mealy bugs. They like to eat plant juices, and some will hide in the bottom of the blade, making them difficult to find. They also have the ability to reproduce quickly. If not dealt with quickly, mealybugs will cover the leaves and stem with a large outbreak, meaning they have already caused damage to the plant. The sooner they are found, the easier they are to treat.

After mealybugs have bred in a succulent, their leaves and twigs will be eaten, and the stems and leaves will be damaged over time. They will turn yellow and brown and show signs of infection and decay. At ordinary times, attention should be paid to the environment ventilation and try to avoid breeding the mealybugs in the pot.

What methods are used to control mealybugs

1. Swab and rinse

The larval stage of mealybugs is relatively easy to prevent and control. In the case of a small number of mealybugs, cotton swabs are directly dipped in some diluted vinegar water, and then the mealybugs are gently wiped off with cotton swabs or clamped to death with tweezers. Finally, the leaves are washed with water, and the mealybugs on them have washed away.

2. Spray 75% alcohol

When mealybugs are newly born, directly spraying with alcohol can also effectively remove the insect larvae. Branches and leaves with mealybugs are directly sprayed with 75% alcohol and then washed with water several hours later. Generally, the mealybugs adsorbed on leaves can be completely cleaned after spraying twice. Attention should also be paid to spraying mealybugs with alcohol. It should not be used frequently. If too much alcohol is used, it is easy to cause harm to your plants.

3. Drug spraying

If the mealybugs on succulents are serious, it is necessary to directly control them with drugs so that mealybugs can be completely eliminated. Many drugs are specially used to treat scale insects, such as Safer's Insecticidal Soap. Spray branches and leaves directly according to the instructions. This should successfully remove your bugs. If there is a common use of this kind of flower in the home, it is also very effective in preventing and controlling mealy bugs.

Do a good job of environmental ventilation prevention in advance

Mealybugs occur not only on succulent plants but also on other flowers such as Chinese roses, especially in early spring and summer. Prevention work should be done in advance.

1. Keep the environment ventilated

Generally, when potted plants are humid with poor ventilation, they are more likely to breed mealy bugs. In the spring, it is necessary to maintain succulents or other flowers by opening windows for ventilation and moving them to a place with sunshine, so they can properly bask in the sun, which can also reduce the occurrence of diseases and insects pests.

2. Sterilize the soil

In order to prevent the breeding of bacteria and insect pests in the pot, sterilize your soil first. Place it in the sun for a few days before planting anything in it. You can also mix in an antiseptic, insecticidal medication to help prevent infestation.

When the weather is warm, succulents all enter the fast-growing period, but this time is also the period when mealybugs thrive. When maintaining plants at ordinary times, it is necessary to carefully observe the back of leaves of plants to see whether mealybugs grow to carry out prevention and control in advance.

Leave the comment if you have any questions, or tell us your thoughts. If you would like to see similar content in the future, subscribe our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Instagram ❤