Q&A for How to Kill Mealybugs

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  • Question
    How can you deal with an infestation of mealybugs inside the home?
    Chris Parker
    Pest Control Specialist
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Pest Control Specialist
    Expert Answer
    We typically see them in damp, dark areas, such as basements and under foundations. If the basement isn't sealed off properly, for example, the downstairs door has a gap underneath it, then you will get more mealybugs. A door sweep with some proper weather stripping could prevent an infestation. You could also use dehumidifiers.
  • Question
    I have a gardenia infected with some mealy bugs. I'm using coffee grounds and oil with some water to spray the plant. Is this okay?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can use neem oil or ginger oil to get rid of bugs.
  • Question
    Can I use ground up ginger with some water and spray it on the bugs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this will generally work to repel them. Bugs do not like ginger and will tend to leave your house alone if you spray the surroundings of your house with the ginger water.
  • Question
    Will using peppermint oil help get rid of mealy bugs on my orchids?
    Community Answer
    Sure. It can kill spiders and other insects, too. Just put 10-15 drops and 8 oz of water in a spray bottle and spray anywhere you think there are bugs.
  • Question
    Can I spray neem leaf boiled in water to kill mealy bugs on my hibiscus plant?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that can help kill mealybugs! It also works as an anti-fungal, so it's extra helpful for your plant!
  • Question
    Would cedar oil kill mealy bugs?
    MidnightBlue1_1
    Top Answerer
    Yes, cedar oil can kill mealy bugs and various other insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, etc., if you spray on them directly. It makes the insect suffocate or dehydrate, which then causes them to die.
  • Question
    Can you spray the neem oil on the orchid flowers as well as the foliage?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the flowers and the foliage should be fine, as long as you dilute the oil in water.
  • Question
    Can I use only neem pesticide?
    Community Answer
    Yes, neem oil diluted in water works to kill mealybugs, and is also an antifungal.
  • Question
    Can wintergreen alcohol be used for mealybugs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, wintergreen alcohol is effective against mealybugs! Just like with rubbing alcohol, be sure to target the infested areas, and try not to get too much on healthy parts of the plants!
  • Question
    What is the best spray to kill bugs on hibiscus?
    Community Answer
    Neem oil spray is a great oil for controlling pests on hibiscus. You can also, like it states in this article, mix dish soap with water and use that as a spray. Some pesticides sprays safe for hibiscus are acephate, azadirachtin, carbaryl, and malathion.
  • Question
    Will house hold bug bombs kill them? I have over 600 plants.
    Community Answer
    No, bug bombs do not kill houseplants or outdoor plants. Just be sure that the amount being used isn't too much, and that it's used as directed.
  • Question
    Why is my indoor small palm turning white on the fronds?
    Community Answer
    Is it exposed to sunlight? This could be sunburn, in which case, make sure when you water it doesn't touch the fronds, or remove from direct sunlight. If it is fungal looking, it could be palm fungus or white scale. Both can be treated with pruning and rubbing alcohol.
  • Question
    How can I tell if the eggs belong to mealybugs?
    Community Answer
    Mealybug eggs are fuzzy white masses, almost like cobwebs. They are usually on the leaves of plants.
  • Question
    Not sure they are mealy bugs, it looks like white webbing almost like cotton. They congregate around the stalk on my palm like houseplants and tall cornplant. I treat with alcohol but can't get rid of them.
    Community Answer
    What you have is most likely spider mites. However, rubbing alcohol should help. Continue being persistent in your application. If it doesn't work, try a plant safe pesticide. Try multiple until finding one that works, and if none do, consider calling professional pest control.
  • Question
    Can I use essence of lemon on a small prickly cactus?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but dilute it with water first, and do not spray too often, as acid can kill your plant if used a lot over time.
  • Question
    I seem to have ants in the soul of my ficus bonsai, what could the problem be and how can I solve it?
    Community Answer
    There are a few ways. You can use plant safe pesticides, or place baited poison ant traps near the plant. Another solution is to mix pesticide with water, and soak your soil for twenty minutes or so.
  • Question
    Can I use vinegar and water spray solution to avoid mealybugs?
    Community Answer
    Apple cider vinegar specifically is great for killing mealybugs, and it can even stop them from reproducing. Follow the advice in this article by coating the leaves and stems, making sure your plant is shaded, and repeating every time you see new bugs until they're all gone!
  • Question
    Can I use surf water to remove mealybugs?
    Community Answer
    By surf water, do you mean the brand of water? If so, plain water will not kill mealybugs. If you mean saltwater, that doesn't work either. At least, not just sprayed. If your plant is big enough to use a high pressured stream of water, that can knock mealybugs and their eggs off plants.
  • Question
    What if I cannot remove the bugs? Can spraying alcohol alone get rid of the bugs?
    I am joker girl
    Community Answer
    Yes! It is really effective against mealybugs! But there is a way to make the spray. To make the spray, mix 1/2 to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 quart of water in a pump-spray bottle. It's a good idea to test spray one leaf of an infested plant and wait a day to check for damage.
  • Question
    I have some cacti and other succulents that have mealy bugs. Can I use hydrogen peroxide to treat the surface of the plants and the soil at the same time? How would I do it?
    Community Answer
    Hydrogen peroxide does not kill mealybugs, so don't try it. Essential oils like peppermint oil, however, will work, as well as plant safe insecticides. Also, try the mixtures in the article.
  • Question
    Which is the most effective home remedy to kill mealybugs?
    Community Answer
    Essential oils like peppermint or thyme oil can be used to kill mealybugs. So can a 50/50 mixture of milk and water, although milk isn't always effective.
  • Question
    Can I use citronella oil for mealy bugs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it's not as effective as other essential oils. It usually kills about 50% of mealybugs. With repeated treatment, you could get rid of an infestation. If you'd rather use a more effective essential oil, try peppermint or thyme oil.
  • Question
    Can I use 70 percent ethanol with water?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but with this kind of treatment, try to avoid spraying too much of the plant's surface. Only spray areas where you can see bugs and eggs. It might be safer to use a cotton ball drenched in the mixture instead of a spray, so less of the non-infested plant is affected.
  • Question
    Will milk and water eradicate mealie bugs and if so what mixtures?
    Community Answer
    Milk and water can work. It is not always effective, but it is very healthy for your plants as a fertilizer and antifungal, and sometimes will drive bugs away, so it's worth a try! A 50/50 milk to water ratio works best.
  • Question
    Mealy bugs on cyclops, will isopropyl alcohol hurt the cyclops?
    Community Answer
    It will not if you dilute it with water. Also, if your cyclops is usually in the sun, make sure you place it in the shade afterwards, or spray at night, so that the plant doesn't get sunburnt.
  • Question
    Can tea tree oil kill mealy bugs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, tea tree oil can kill mealybugs. It also acts as a fungicide, so it is doubly helpful!
  • Question
    Does Devin dust kill mealy bugs?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it does. It's especially helpful when dealing with a whole garden or lawn infestation.
  • Question
    Can I use these remedies on an African violet?
    Community Answer
    Yes! Use a plant safe insecticide or the mixtures described above, and either spray or use a cotton ball drenched in the mixture to spread onto leaves and petals.
  • Question
    Will putting plants in a plastic bag full of carbon dioxide for a few hours kill mealy bugs? Dry ice or vinegar and baking soda would be the source. Neither would touch the plant or soil.
    Community Answer
    Yes, this works, as it will kill almost all the mealybugs (usually about 98%). However, be careful, as it could kill your plant if done for too long or too often. Maybe try thirty minutes instead of a few hours, to lower the risk.
  • Question
    I have tried everything but the mealy bugs won't go away. I even bought new gardening tools and new pots. I have tried every spray. Would it help if I picked them off?
    Community Answer
    Yes, picking off the mealybugs and disposing them away from your garden helps. Try physically picking off as many as you can, then spraying with insecticide or the mixtures provided in this article. Repeatedly doing this should eventually fully get rid of them.
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