Do you have unwelcome insects on your plants?
Coccidae, a group of insects, that includes mealybugs is a common problem for plants and horticultural properties.
Your green property should be free from these insects. But what should you do if you have mealybugs in the home garden or greenhouse?
Read on to learn about how to get rid of mealy bugs.
Pick Them off Affected Plants
Picking off the mealybugs from affected plants is one of the most effective ways to stop an infestation in the home garden or greenhouse. It is best to use tweezers, small chopsticks or cotton swabs to remove them.
It’s a good idea to wear plastic gloves and a face mask while doing this to protect oneself. Make sure to check all the stems, leaves and surrounding areas, as mealybugs can hide in tight crevices and may not be clearly visible at first glance.
Dab an Alcohol Solution on Mealybugs
Alcohol kills mealybugs quickly, so spraying the solution directly on them is the best way to ensure they are removed. Start by creating an alcohol solution by mixing 90% rubbing alcohol and 10% water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mealybugs directly with the solution.
Make sure to coat them thoroughly, including hiding places such as the undersides of leaves. For tough infestations, use a Q-tip or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to apply the solution directly to the pests. For larger plants, it may be beneficial to use a handheld garden hose nozzle to spray the solution.
Prune Infested Leaves or Branches
To start, remove any leaves or branches that are heavily infested with mealybugs. Once removed, discard them in an outdoor trash bin away from the garden. Cutting away any infested parts will reduce the number of mealybug infestation and make it easier to keep an eye on the rest of the plant for any signs of mealybugs.
If possible, try to prune at least 30 cm below where the infestation is visible. This will reduce the chance of the mealybugs finding their way back up the stem.
Spray Insects and Leaves With Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide than can be used to help control and eradicate mealybugs. To use Neem oil to get rid of mealybugs in the home or greenhouse garden, begin by spraying both the insects and the leaves with the oil.
Be sure to completely cover the pests and their eggs. Reapply neem oil weekly as needed, applying it until there are no more mealybugs present.
Hire a Pest Control Service
Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to safely target and eliminate these pests without spreading them to other parts of the garden. They have access to specialized pesticides that are highly effective against mealybugs.
Additionally, they can provide advice on how to manage the environment to help prevent further infestations. The first step is to identify the species of mealybug present. Then the pest control in Dyersburg can apply targeted treatments to the affected areas and areas surrounding them.
Learn How to Get Rid of Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs can be a nuisance in the garden or greenhouse, but with the proper understanding of the lifecycle and preventive treatments like neem oil and insecticidal soap, you can control the population and protect your plants.
Take action now and get rid of mealy bugs!
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