How to Control Mealybugs

Mealybugs are cottony-looking insects with piercing/sucking mouth parts. They suck the fluids from leaves and stems, robbing plants of essential nutrients. Mealybugs feed on all parts of the plant, but especially on tender new growth. Leaves wither and yellow and, on crop plants, fruit may drop prematurely.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri
• Leptomastix Dactylopii
• Coreopsis Plants
• Dill Seeds
• Garden Hoses
• Horticultural Oils
• Hose Attachment
• Fennel Seeds
• Cotton Swabs
• Insecticidal Soaps
• Rubbing Alcohol

1. Identify mealybugs by looking on the undersides of leaves and around leaf joints. These insects look like small (1/10 to 1/8 of an inch) balls of cotton. Mealybug-damaged plants look withered and sickly and may have sticky sap on the leaves and stems.

2. Spray a strong jet of water directly on to the affected area of the plant. The stream washes the insects off. This is the easiest way to control mealybugs.

3. Spray with a soap/oil mixture if the water alone doesn't do the job. Mix 1 tsp. insecticidal soap, 1/2 tsp. horticultural oil, and 1 quart water in a spray bottle. There are also numerous chemical products available for the control of mealybugs.

4. Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to treat minor infestations. Dab the rubbing alcohol directly onto the insects.

5. Try purchasing and releasing a natural predator called mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) for serious infestations. Place the mealybug destroyers directly on the infested plant.

6. On an ongoing basis, attract other types of predatory insects, such as parasitic wasps (Leptomastix dactylopii), that will consume and control mealybugs. Grow their favorite plants such as dill, fennel, coreopsis and brightly colored flowers near the mealybug-prone plants.

7. Select and plant plants that are naturally resistant to mealybugs. These include plants with a milky sap and thick or fuzzy leaves - they'll vary depending on where you live.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try the least toxic method of pest control as your first step.

• Water an infested plant well before releasing mealybug destroyers. These predatory insects will appreciate a drink.

• If you use pesticides in your garden, you will kill natural predators of mealybugs.

• If you choose a chemical control, always wear protective clothing and safety gear including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, neoprene gloves, goggles and a respirator.