Have you noticed cottony clumps on your plants lately? Be careful, do not think that it is a simple fungus or mildew, because it may be a much more serious problem. Have you ever heard of mealybugs? In any case, plant and plant lovers know them very well! Mealybugs attack plants. We show you how to eliminate them.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, cottony material that protects them from heat and all kinds of external aggressions. Here’s how to get rid of it!
Indicators of mealybug infestation on your plants
Let’s see how you can spot these pests . Since they can be easily seen with the naked eye, the best way to detect them is to simply examine the leaves and stems of your plant to see if there are any white, cottony masses growing there. accumulate. Also check the underside of the leaves, in the folds and around the tips of the plant.
Unfortunately, they can hide in stems, leaf whorls, and other hard-to-reach places (including roots), making it quite complicated to spot them before they spread everywhere. So be very careful about this!
Mealybugs: how to recognize them and how do they develop?
You can distinguish them by their color: they are brownish in color and stay in the same place on the plant. However, female mealybugs are visible to the naked eye and can lay eggs in a cottony pouch without mating.
It should be noted that mealybugs are not as devastating as spider mites , but if they are not eliminated in time, they will eventually kill the plant. Let’s find out how to get rid of them naturally.
Tips for getting rid of mealybugs
Here are natural methods to keep these parasites away very quickly:
Marseille’s soap
Simply melt a few shavings of Marseille soap or use a tablespoon of Marseille soap which you pour into half a liter of non-calcareous water. Add one tablespoon of black soap and two tablespoons of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Mix then apply the solution to the mealybugs using a brush.
Washing plants with water
One of the most natural and safe ways for plants is water. In fact, it is possible to dislodge mealybugs with a regular jet of water . Repeat the treatment as often as necessary. This solution is ideal for light infestations .
Homemade insect spray
To make this homemade garden pesticide, here’s what you need to do: combine 1 bulb of garlic, 1 small onion and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a food processor or blender and blend to make a paste . Add 1 liter of water to this paste and let it infuse for 1 hour. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth, then add a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Mix everything well. The solution can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Then spray the product on the parts of the plant where the mealybugs are found.
Neem oil (Neem)
It is ideal for naturally getting rid of mealybugs. In fact, it significantly reduces the feeding capacity, growth and development of these pests , and acts as a sort of repellent . To do this, add 5 to 15 ml of neem oil to 1 liter of water and mix well. Simply spray the infested plant with this solution.
Insecticidal soap
Which you can make yourself using a mild dishwashing detergent. Try to find a product free of fragrances and other additives that could harm the health of your plants. Mix the soap with water (start by putting one teaspoon of soap per 5 liters of water and increase gradually if necessary). Spray the soapy solution on your plants.
Isopropyl alcohol
Soak a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to the mealybugs. This kills them instantly. To do this, use a solution composed of no more than 70% isopropyl alcohol , and test it on a leaf before applying it to the entire plant. This will allow you to check that the alcohol does not burn it.
These tips will help you eradicate mealybugs once and for all! Do not hesitate to examine your plants regularly to detect the slightest suspicious presence of these insects. However, in case of a serious infestation, consider getting rid of your plants and starting from scratch after thoroughly cleaning the areas where your old infested plants were located.
