How to get rid of Mealybugs?

Mealybugs are tiny, soft-bodied insects that infest plants, feeding on their sap. They are mostly found in North America and are identified by their white, cotton-like appearance. They tend to damage plants by draining nutrients, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. 

Mealybugs are notorious pests in gardens and agriculture, and require diligent control measures for eradication.

In this article we will learn how to get rid of Mealybug infestation. 

 

What is a Mealybug?

Mealybug is an insect found in warmer climates. Pseudococcidae is the scientific name of mealybugs. It is a soft body wingless insect. It grows on the stems and fruits of many plants. The mealybug is present in 300 or more types of species. The mealybug uses its long sucking mouth which is called a stylet to sap out tissues from the plants. The damage occurs in many agricultural fields. The pests bring honeydew which makes the plant sticky.  

Mealybugs affect a lot of plants including avocados, other fruits, houseplants, etc. The mealybug is easy to find due to its white cottony feature. In many northern areas, they are a major issue in private greenhouses. They pose a serious threat to many crops. There are two main types of infestation through mealybugs. 

Light mealybug infestation

A light mealybug infestation is easy to remove. The infestation is due to a few mealybugs. If it is not removed, then the mealybug will cause more heavy infestation. The white cotton egg will be present in the plants. The light mealybug is present because the mealybugs can be removed easily and it will not affect the plants. 

Heavy infestation

The heavy infestation is present when the mealybugs are rampantly affecting the plants. The waxy excretions are called honeydew which creates fungus. The ants can feed this sticky excretion which decreases the growth of plants. The mealybugs cause the plants to be yellowish and then they die after some time. The fruits, vegetables, and even the flower buds die off after mealybug infestation. The mealybugs must be removed as soon as possible otherwise they can spread easily everywhere and destroy the plants. There are treatments to remove mealybugs from plants.

 

Treatment for mealybug infestation

There are several ways to treat mealybug infestation. It depends on various factors such as the type of plants, soils, etc. Here are seven major ways in which the mealybug can be removed through treatments. 

Wash mealybugs

• For light manifestations, one has to wash the plant using a stream of water. This removes fragile plants that can be removed through the strength of water.
• If the mealybug is present on such plants in a light way, wash the plants and repeat until the mealybugs are removed.

Isopropyl alcohol

• Use a cotton ball for soaking in an isopropyl rubbing alcohol. It should contain 70% of alcohol. Stronger alcohol can be dangerous. Use the cotton to rub the alcohol on the plant. The plant should be protected from burns of the alcohol.
• After putting alcohol on the plant, wipe off the mealybugs which can kill off the pests easily.
• Repeat the same method every week to remove the infestation.

Insecticidal soap

• The insecticidal soap is available in shops. It doesn’t contain any perfumes or additives which can harm the plants. A teaspoon of dish soap and water can be used to prepare such a soap. 
• The soap is used to rub on the plants including the leaves. 
• This is repeated twice a week and the pests are removed continuously. Insecticidal soaps are used on edible plants.

Neem oil

• Use neem oil, dish soap, and water to make a solution. Use a maximum of 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil and dish soap. 3.5 liters of water is used to dilute the mix. 
• Spray the solution on the infected plants. It is a natural substance and the neem oil affects the insects. The insect’s ability to feed and grow is removed using the neem oil. It acts as a repellent. Neem oil is very safe to use on edible plants and is practically harmless.
• The neem oil solution is mixed every week. 

Predator insects

• To combat mealybugs, the best solution is to use other predators of mealybugs. These insects eat up the mealybugs and reduce the infestation of plants. Lace Bugs, beetles, and parasite wasps are examples of reduced mealybug infestation. They can kill the mealybug naturally and stop infestation. 
• Plant host plants that attract predator pests. It can also be bought from shops to reduce infestation.
• The predator insects should easily get the plants that they want. It should provide shelter and food. Do not use pesticides that kill off these insects.

Homemade insect spray

• Use garlic, small onion, and cayenne pepper to blend and make a paste. Use it on one quart of water and steep it in one hour. 
• Strain it and use liquid dish soap to the solution. Mix the solution.
• Use the solution on plants using a sprayer. Spray it on every place including the underleaves. 
• If more mealybugs are present, repeat the process. This mix can also be used in the future if kept in the refrigerator.

Synthetic chemical pesticide

• Using chemical pesticides is the last method for killing off mealybugs. It should be used with caution as the process can kill the plants. Sometimes the honeydew of the pests can not kill off the pests.
• Use a pesticide that is customized for the mealybug. If the pests are present indoors, make sure that it is harmless to humans or remove them from the place. 
• Use pesticides repeatedly till they can be removed from the infestation.  

See also: How to control pests?

 

Cause

The mealybugs can come due to various reasons or no reasons. It is highly attracted to moisture and it can come t over watery plants. It can also be due to the fertilizers in the plants. Mealybugs can also be caused due to nitrogen content. It appears more on over-watered plants. It can be prevented by watering less in quantity.

 

How to prevent mealybugs?

Healthy plants are not susceptible to such insects. An unhealthy or uncared plant can be a root cause of infestation. Greenhouses create more mealybugs. Here are some ways to prevent mealybug infestation:

• Reduce the process of watering which overwaters the plants
• Wipe the leaf using neem oil
• Give blasts of water to remove the honeydew and pests. 
• In the use of indoor plants, reduce the nighttime temperature to 15o C if possible. This can reduce the infestation. 

The mealybugs are apest which can cause infestation on many plants. This reduces the growth and kills the plants. A mealybug can be treated easily if care is given appropriately to the plants. One must care and check the plants for pests and take action as required.

 

FAQs

What is the scientific name of mealybugs?

Pseudococcidae is the scientific name of mealybugs.

How to reduce mealybug infestation?

Using neem oil, dish soap and even blasting water can reduce mealybug infestation.

How to prevent Mealybug infestation?

Mealybug infestation is prevented by applying neem oil on the plants.

How to naturally kill mealybugs?

Using predator pests such as wasps can kill off the mealybugs easily.

What is the cause of mealybug infestation?

The main cause of mealy bug infestation is over-watering and over-fertilising of plants.

How to use isopropyl alcohol for mealybug infestation?

Rubbing alcohol on plants can remove the mealybug.

What is the excretion produced by mealybug?

The mealybug sticky excretion on the plants is called a honeydew.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com