Mealybugs are identified as common garden pests, which are usually found in warm and moist environments. They are non-armoured and can be found in flat, oval, or spherical shapes. They feed on plant juices and are a vector for most plant diseases. They also live in a symbiotic relationship with ants who feed off the honeydew produced by the mealybugs.
The mealybugs feed on the plant sap near the roots or other crevices on a plant. As soon as they infest a plant, they attach themselves to it and excrete a powdery wax which acts as a protective layer for them while they feed on the sap. Mealybugs, which feed on citrus, are the most problematic pests; other species harm sugarcane, grapes, pineapple, coffee plants, cassava, ferns, cactus, gardenias, papaya, mulberry, sunflower, and orchids.
Mealybugs become serious troublemakers when they live alongside ants, who act as their protectors from predators and parasites. Aboveground mealybugs are common in houseplants such as cactus, aglaonema, coleus, dracaena, ferns, hoya, ficus, palms, jade, orchids, philodendron, Schefflera, sage, and other herbs such as rosemary and poinsettia. Infestations of ground mealybugs are most commonly recorded on African violets and gardenias.
Mealybugs aren’t a severe problem if they are present in small quantities, but as soon as the infestation is massive, it can lead to some significant damage to the plant, such as drying of the plant and an increase in leaf dropping. It can affect the overall well-being of the plant. The best way to get rid of mealybugs is the repeated use of insecticides and other pest control options. So let us take a look at some ways to control a mealybug infestation.
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Mealybug: Life cycle of a mealybug
Almost all the species of a mealybug go through the same life cycle. The females usually lay around 600-900 eggs, after which they die. These eggs are laid in the crevices of the plants, such as the axil of the stem or leaf nodes. After 7-10 days of being laid, the nymphs hatch from the eggs.
The long-tailed mealybugs have a different lifecycle. These females give birth to live bugs which take almost six weeks or eight months to complete their life cycle.
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Mealybug: Where do mealybugs come from?
Mealybugs seem to appear out of thin air, but they are most likely brought in by various vectors, such as a new plant from a nursery or the plant store. They are often hard to spot because they live in crevices.
Mealybugs thrive in a warm and moist environment, so if your plant is overwatered or has high nitrogen levels, it becomes a fine home for a mealybug. They can also be carried by vectors such as an ant that feeds off the honeydew produced by a mealybug. They lie undetected in most plants because they live in tiny crevices of the plant and can even live in the roots unsuspected.
Mealybug: Mealybugs vs scale
Mealybugs and scales belong to the same family of Coccoidea. Coccoidea is hardly recognised as an insect at first glance. Females are wingless and immobile, with hard scales (armoured and soft scales) or waxy threads covering their bodies (mealybugs). They feed on plant sap and are typically host-plant-specific. Aside from the harm they do by sucking plant sap, mealybugs and soft scales create honeydew (on which moulds develop), causing significant damage and loss of value in ornamental and fruit crops.
Mealybug: How to identify a mealybug infestation?
You can identify a mealybug infestation when you notice the following symptoms in your plant:
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Glasshouse mealybug
You will notice the glasshouse mealybug as a white, fluffy wax initially in the axils of the plant’s leaves and other shady spaces. You’ll find the mealybugs and their pinkish-orange eggs beneath the waxy substance.
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Golden root mealybugs
These yellow insects also lie underneath the white waxy surface found mainly in the plant’s roots.
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Sap-sucking insects
You can identify sap-sucking insects by noticing a black sooty mould. Several mealybugs result in honeydew accumulation, making the plant sticky, encouraging the infestation of sooty moulds, and giving the stem and leaf surfaces a blackened appearance.
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Mealybug: 7 proven methods to get rid of mealybugs
When it comes to a light infestation, it isn’t tough to get rid of the mealybugs, but the real problem arrives when it is a heavy infestation, as mealybugs are highly invasive pests. Usually, in an indoor infestation, the best possible way to get rid of mealybugs is to chuck the plant out simply, but for outdoor plants, there are numerous ways to get rid of them.
The damage caused by a mealybug infestation causes the leaves to turn yellow and then eventually drop off. In very high infestations, they can even cause fruits, flowers, and vegetables to drop off. Also, the honeydew that they secrete can lead to mould.
Wash mealybugs away
In case of light infestations, a steady stream of water can be used to flush away the mealybugs. You may have to repeat this process a few times as mealybugs have a tendency to come back.
Use isopropyl alcohol
Take some rubbing alcohol, dip some cotton balls into it, and rub it on the mealybug infestation. This will instantly kill the bugs, and you can simply wipe them away. But make sure to use 70% isopropyl alcohol and do a patch test on the plant before using it for the mealybugs, as some plants might get burnt by the alcohol.
Spray with insecticidal soap
Insecticidal soaps can be found in shops or online, which you can use on the plant. You can even make some of your own with mild dishwashing soap. You must make sure to use a product free of fragrance and additives. Mix a bit of soap with some water, make sure it is a very mild solution, and spray it on the plants.
Use neem oil
Neem oil can control the population of mealybugs on your plants. It is a natural insect repellent that will affect the bugs’ feeding abilities, growth, and development. It is the most natural way to eliminate various plant bugs and insects. The best part about neem oil is that it can be used on several types of veggies, other edible plants, and ornamentals, as it is very safe.
Introduce predatory insects
Introducing predatory insects is a natural way to get rid of mealybugs. Lace bugs, beetles, and parasitoid wasps are some predatory insects you can introduce in your garden. This is possible for outdoor plants and greenhouses.
Use homemade insect spray
You can also make some insect spray at home, providing an endless supply of repellent for the mealybugs. Take a bulb of garlic, one onion, and a spoonful of cayenne peppers and blend them into a paste. Then add some water to the paste and let the water steep through. Once the water is steeped, add a tablespoon of dish soap. This solution can last up to a week. Once you have prepared it, spray it on the affected plant parts to eliminate the mealybugs.
Use synthetic chemical pesticides
Several pesticides can be used to get rid of mealybugs. But the waxy layer on the insects can prove some pesticides to become ineffective. Take caution before spraying pesticides on indoor plants, as some pesticides are very toxic for human beings.
FAQs
How long do mealybugs live?
Mealybugs live for two to three weeks without a host plant. But on a host plant, mealybugs can live for as long as the plant survives, as they can go through a life cycle of 45 days.
Do mealybugs bite or sting?
No, mealybugs do not bite or sting humans as they are harmless creatures. But they might cause an allergic reaction in some people.
What plants are most susceptible to mealybugs?
Several house plants get affected by mealworms. Mealworms even affect crops and ornamental plants. Therefore any plant is susceptible to a mealybug infestation.