Q&A for How to Control Mealybugs on Indoor Plants

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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. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes 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.

Chris Parker

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.

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Question

I used most of the methods listed above and it hasn't worked. What should I do?

Community Answer

Mix Dawn soap and alcohol in a spray bottle and spray down the plant and the top of the soil. Let it dry, and do it again. Again let it dry and then spray the residue off with very warm water. Keep an eye on the plant for new mealybugs and repeat.

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Question

Should you discard the soil after removing plant infested with mealybugs?

Community Answer

You could try placing the dirt under black garbage bags in a sunny location for about 2 weeks.

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I transferred the plant out of its plastic pot but plan to transfer it back to bring it indoors for the winter. Will the mealybugs be able to live in the plastic pot without the plant?

Community Answer

Just replant it in a pot to bring it indoors. It may require a bigger pot though if it has grown in the ground for a while.

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My big indoor ficus has scale that I treated. Half of the leaves are gone. There is some wrinkled bark on some major branches. Are these branches succumbing to scale and should I cut them off?

MforMazhar

Community Answer

Ficus is not so delicate. Make sure you add proper nutrients to the soil and do not let the soil become too soggy. Ficus are generally pruned like any other plant. Since we do not know the exact severity of the scale, we can't answer with certainty how it would work on your indoor ficus. However, pruning branches, in general, is better as it triggers new shoots. Ensure that the scales don't spread to other areas if fallen leaves come in contact with the other leaves or branches.

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