The Mealybug Order is a group of insects that includes over 4,000 species. The most common mealybugs are in the genus Planococcus. They live on the roots of plants, where they feed on plant sap.
The life cycle of a mealybug begins when females lay eggs on the underside of leaves or on stems. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble adults but lack wings. Nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood and mating. Once mated, females lay eggs that hatch into nymphs that resemble adults with wings.
Adult mealybugs have long antennae, oval bodies covered in white powder and six legs. They usually have red eyes and feed on plant sap by piercing plant tissue with their mouthparts. Mealybugs have no wings and cannot fly; instead, they use their antennae to move around plants or crawl up walls or other vertical surfaces when moving from one location to another.
Why do mealy bugs keep coming back?
Mealybugs are small bugs with a white, powdery body and a waxy, cottony coating.
They’re often found on plants that have been over-fertilized and overwatered, with high nitrogen levels.
Mealybugs are attracted to plants with high nitrogen levels and soft growth; they may appear if you overwater and over-fertilize your plants.
If your plant has been exposed to these conditions, it’s likely that mealybugs have already taken up residence on it.
The mealybug feeds on the plant’s sap and can cause significant damage to your garden by sucking the life out of your plants.
Is there a spray for mealy bugs?
Yes, there is a spray for mealy bugs.
The best way to get rid of mealybugs is to use a soap-based spray that suffocates them. This can be done with the help of Dawn dish soap and rubbing alcohol.
Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water. Pour the solution in the spray bottle. Spray the whole plant, not only where mealybugs are visible.
You can also use Neem oil as an alternative to Dawn dish soap but it is not suggested for delicate plants like orchids or roses because it can cause damage to their leaves.
How often should you spray for mealybugs?
If you’re dealing with a small infestation, you can simply spray the affected areas with a 10-25% solution of isopropyl alcohol.
You’ll need to repeat this procedure once a week for as long as necessary until all traces of mealybugs are gone. If you’re dealing with an extensive infestation, however, you might want to consider using neem oil instead of alcohol—it’s less toxic and works just as well.
How do you control white mealybugs?
Treating mealybugs is a delicate process. If you don’t get all the bugs, they’ll just come back, so it’s important to cover all of the surfaces that they’re hiding on.
First, dip cotton balls into alcohol and wipe down all visible surfaces.
Next, use swabs soaked in alcohol and swab out any cracks or crevices where you may have missed mealybugs. The alcohol will kill them off before they can lay more eggs.
Can plants recover from mealy bugs?
The answer is yes.
You can’t just spray a plant once, and expect the bugs to disappear. It can take several weeks, or even months to kill the entire population.
In some cases, you might need to use a combination of methods to get rid of these pests for good.
If you’re dealing with a severe infestation, it may be best to start by removing all of your plants from the affected area.
Then, after cleaning them thoroughly with soap and water, place them in quarantine for at least two weeks before placing them back into your home or office environment.
This will give you time to treat any remaining bugs that may have been missed during your initial inspection process.
When dealing with mealybugs on indoor plants, it’s important that you keep an eye out so that they don’t spread throughout your entire collection before you catch them.
What temperature kills mealybugs?
A 20-min 49 degrees C hot water immersion treatment is effective in killing mealybugs and all other arthropods tested found externally on limes, or under the calyx. No insects or mites were found to survive after the 20-min hot water treatment.
What active ingredient kills mealybugs?
The active ingredient in paraffin oil is methyl eugenol, which is toxic to mealybugs.
Paraffin oil is the only natural agent that kills mealybugs.
List of Systemic Insecticides for Controlling Mealybugs
Systemic insecticides are the most effective control method for mealybugs. Systemics are applied to the plant’s leaves and then move through the plant to the root system. Systemics can be applied by either spraying or drenching the soil around your plants.
Here are the list of systemic insecticides for controlling mealybugs:
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 941 Pt Spray Systemic Insect Control Concentrate, 16 oz
Price : $20.13
Features :
- OUTDOOR RESIDENTIAL USE – This pesticide is designed for outdoor residential use only. This is not a treatment for termite bugs, and it is harmful to humans and domestic animals if ingested.
- TREATS MANY BUGS – There are a lot of bugs that can be killed with this product including thrips, mealybugs, scale, two-spotted spider mites, whiteflies and more. This is not a carpenter bee killer, so do not use this on blooming crops or weeds.
- LONG-LASTING FORMULA – Bonide bug killer formula is economical and long-lasting. One pint can make up to 16 gallons of diluted spray, and it helps treat infestations immediately. Apply every 7 to 10 days as long as the infestation occurs.
- 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, lawns, or turfs.
- GREAT FOR SHRUBS AND TREES – If your ornamental garden, shrubs, or trees experience insect or pest infestation, this formula is a great way to control and protect these plants.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 12 Inches |
| Width | 3 Inches |
| Length | 3 Inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds |
Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules 8 oz., 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide
Price : $9.59
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 |
BioAdvanced 701710 8-11-5 Fertilizer with Imidacloprid Plant Food Plus Insect Control Spikes, 10
Price : $9.40
Features :
- 2-in-1 FORMULA: Kills listed insects while feeding your plants
- 8 WEEK PROTECTION: Protects and feeds for up to 8 weeks without spraying
- INSECT KILLER: Kills Aphids, Whiteflies, Leafhoppers, Mealybugs, and more
- PLANT FOOD: Slow-release fertilizer feeds indoor and outdoor potted plants for up to two months
- COVERAGE AREA: Treats up to 10 5-inch pots
- RESTRICTIONS: Not for sale in CT, VT, MD
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 9.75 Inches |
| Width | 0.4 Inches |
| Length | 6 Inches |
| Weight | 0.12 Pounds |
| Release Date | 2021-10-11T00:00:01Z |
Ortho Insect Mite & Disease 3-in-1 Ready-To-Use, 1 gal.
Price : $20.49 ($0.16 / Fl Oz)
Features :
- Controls a wide range of fungal diseases and pests
- Controls aphids, mites, beetles, crickets, weevils, silverfish, caterpillars, whiteflies and other insect pests
- Controls fungal diseases, including black spot, powdery mildew, rust, Scab, blight, brown rot and leaf spot
- Use on roses, flowers, houseplants, ornamental trees and shrubs, fruits, nuts and vegetables
- Convenient, easy to use, requires no mixing
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 8.9 Inches |
| Width | 12 Inches |
| Length | 4.9 Inches |
In conclusion, Systemic insecticides are the best way to control mealybugs. These types of pesticides are absorbed by the plant and distribute throughout it, which means that pests like mealybugs are killed when they eat the plant. The benefit of this type of treatment is that it doesn’t harm the plant itself.