Insecticide For Root Mealybugs

Mealybugs usually reside in the roots of the plant. Root mealybugs infestation can cause death of the plant. These pests create white cotton like substance on root hairs as they feed on juices of the roots. The feeding activity of these pests results in reduced plant growth and vigor. Lacking leaves and flowers may also result from this pest attack. A week after eggs are laid, young nymphs emerge from eggs. After 4 days nymphs mature into adult root mealybugs but maturation process may take about 10 days depending upon the environmental condition and availability of food for these insects. All stages are capable of producing eggs and new generations are produced continuously in favorable conditions. Mealybugs can also spread from plants to plants over long distances by flying during summer time.

Insecticide For Root Mealybugs

Root mealybugs in the genus Rhizoecus have adapted to subterranean life. These include the ground mealybug, Rhizoecus falciferRhizoecus americanus, and the newly introduced hibiscus mealybug, Rhizoecus hibisci. One of the most familiar root mealybugs in North Carolina is Pritchard’s mealybug, Rhizoecus pritchardi, that feeds on the roots of African violets and other plants. These root mealybugs differ only in microscopic characters. Adult females are 1/16 to about 1/8 inch long, slightly flattened, and rounded on each end. The body is bluish white but covered with a shallow, white, fluffy bloom. They resemble large, white springtails but move much more slowly. Some species even secrete slender filaments that form a netting over the insect. They also secrete a powdery, white fluff that gives the soil a bluish tint. These mealybugs almost or completely lack eyes, and the antennae are short. Females lay at least six eggs in a fluffy, white sort of nest. The nymphs resemble females but are smaller. When potted plants are irrigated, root mealybugs sometimes crawl out of the drainage holes and infest plants nearby.

root mealybugs

Root mealybugs are often overlooked as they are tiny and infest on roots.

Host Plants

Root mealybugs feed on the roots of ornamental plants including AchilleaArctostaphylos, African violet, anemone, bamboo, Bermuda grass and other ornamental grasses, chrysanthemum, Geum. ginger, gladiolus, iris, hibiscus, PolygalaRobinia, and palms including queen, majesty, fishtail, triangle, kentia, lady, pygmy date, and MacArthur palms. These mealybugs can be found feeding on the roots of many plant families.

Residential Recommendations

Because mealybugs are susceptible to systemic insecticides, I recommend treating infested plants with imidacloprid or some other systemic insecticide. Most of the systemic insecticides found in big box stores and garden center should be effective as long as they are labeled for residential use. Some formulations of systemic insecticides are labeled only for landscape use. Houseplants can be placed outdoors for treatment with such labeled insecticides. Tender houseplants should probably be placed in shade to prevent sun scald.

Insecticide For Root Mealybugs

Root mealybugs are a type of insect that feed on the roots of plants, making them difficult to eliminate. They thrive in warm and dry climates, so they’re most common in summer.

These insects are tiny and have a white, powdery substance covering their bodies. They live in large groups on the roots of plants and can be difficult to spot when they’re small.

To get rid of them, you’ll need to treat the soil with an insecticide. You can also purchase specialized products designed for root mealybugs, or use a combination of products depending on your situation.

Insecticides for root mealybugs usually contain two active ingredients: one that kills adults (called pyrethroids) and one that kills larvae (called organophosphates). These chemicals kill insects by damaging their central nervous systems or interfering with how their cells work.

List Of Insecticide For Root Mealybugs

Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules 8 oz., 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide
Price : $9.49
Features :

  • HOUSEPLANT INSECT CONTROL – These ready-to-use granules are meant for controlling insects and pests affecting your indoor plants. Unlike other products, this is designed to protect containerized plants.
  • NO ODOR – Unlike most other chemical pesticides and herbicides, this bug killer does not have an odor, so using it in your home will not stink up your furniture, clothing, or rooms.
  • TREATS MANY BUGS – This product is a capable treatment for mealybug, termite, aphids, Japanese beetles, and more. Be cautious of certain bugs or animals that eat your plants. Bees and pets may be harmed if the product is ingested.
  • FOR NON-EDIBLE PLANTS – This insect killer treatment is not meant for vegetable or fruit plants. This product is labeled for use on flower beds, roses, shrubs, and the like, but it is not labeled for use on any edibles.
  • HOW IT WORKS – After incorporating the granules into the soil and watering them in, the pesticide is absorbed by the roots where it moves through the plants to assist in protection against the listed bugs. Protection lasts for up to 8 weeks.

Additional Info :

Color white
Item Dimensions
Height 6.3 Inches
Width 2.8 Inches
Length 2.8 Inches
Weight 0.7 Pounds
Release Date 2021-10-05T00:00:01Z
Bonide (BND95349) - Insect Control Systemic Granules, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (4 lb.)
Price : $19.99
Features :

  • READY TO USE – These convenient granules are ready for use and provide effective, long lasting insect control for up to 8 weeks in your flower beds, roses, and shrubs. Apply it every 8 weeks throughout the growing season for optimal protection.
  • PEST CONTROL – Bonide Systemic Granules kill tough houseplant pests like fungus, gnats, mealybug, whitefly, termite, aphids, and more. Be considerate of animals and bugs like hummingbirds and bees that could be harmed from use of this product.
  • NO SPRAYING – There is no mess associated with this pesticide because it is not a spray. The dry-application granules are easy to use, control, and apply without worrying about destroying clothing or other plants.
  • FOR NON-EDIBLE PLANTS – This insect killer treatment is not meant for vegetable or fruit plants. This product is labeled for use on flower beds, roses, shrubs, and the like, but it is not labeled for use on any edibles.
  • HOW IT WORKS – After incorporating the granules into the soil and watering them in, the pesticide is absorbed by the roots where it moves through the plants to assist in protection against the listed bugs.

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 1 Inches
Width 1 Inches
Length 1 Inches
Weight 1 Pounds
Bonide 609 Products Inc BND609 Tree/Shrub Drench Insecticide, Quart, 32 oz, Concentrate
Price : $10.85
Features :

  • INSECT KILLER – This pest control is great for use on adelgids, aphids, bronze birch borers, emerald ash borer, leaf miners, scale, and many other species of bug. Will also prevent new infestations.
  • SOIL DRENCH APPLICATION – Concentrate dissolves in water allowing the insecticide to move through the root zone. Once in the roots, it moves up through the tree or shrub providing protection from insects. Also provides protection for new growth.
  • FOLIAGE PROTECTOR – Designed for use on listed fruit, nut and ornamental trees and shrubs.
  • WON’T WASH AWAY – Tree and Shrub Insect Control is rainproof within hours. For best results, spray with enough time for it to completely dry before it rains. Will not wash off after it has dried.
  • EASY APPLICATION – Product quickly mixes with water and should be applied by pouring or with backpack, compression, knapsack or tank type sprayers. Carefully read and use according to label directions.

Additional Info :

Color Concentrate
Item Dimensions
Height 9.8 Inches
Width 2.3 Inches
Length 4.8 Inches
Weight 2.1 Pounds
Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench - 75333, 1 Gallon
Price : $32.62
Features :

  • For use on outdoor trees and shrubs, including listed fruit and nut trees
  • Controls aphids, emerald ash borers, Japanese beetles, birch leaf miners and other listed insects for up to 12 months with one application
  • Insecticide absorbed through the roots and into the plant for protection that won’t wash off
  • Mix 1.47-percent Imidacloprid concentrate with water and pour evenly around the base of the tree or shrub
  • For use on outdoor trees and shrubs, including listed fruit and nut trees
  • Controls aphids, emerald ash borers, Japanese beetles, birch leaf miners and other listed insects for up to 12 months with one application
  • Insecticide absorbed through the roots and into the plant for protection that won’t wash off
  • Mix 1.47-percent Imidacloprid concentrate with water and pour evenly around the base of the tree or shrub
  • Mix 1.47-percent Imidacloprid concentrate with water and pour evenly around the base of the tree or shrub

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 11.88 Inches
Width 7.5 Inches
Length 4.25 Inches
Weight 8.6 Pounds
Safer Brand 5118-6 Insect Killing Soap Concentrate 16oz
Price : $11.98
Features :

  • 16 fluid ounce concentrate makes up to 6 gal
  • Contains potassium salts of fatty acids (49.52 percentage)
  • Targets and kills aphids, earwigs, grasshoppers, harlequin bugs, leafhoppers, mealy bugs, mites, plant bugs, psyllids, sawfly larvae, soft scales, spider mites, and whiteflies
  • Can be used up until the day of harvest
  • Will not persist in the environment

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions
Height 6.18 Inches
Width 7.32 Inches
Length 2.2 Inches
Weight 2 Pounds

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