Mealybugs are oval, waxy, white insects covered in a cottony coating. They cluster in the joints between leaves and stems, and in hard-to-reach crevices. They feed by sucking sap, weakening the plant, and excrete honeydew that promotes sooty mould.
Why They're Difficult
Their waxy coating resists many sprays. Eggs are hidden in even more remote spots. A full elimination can take 4–6 weeks of repeated treatment.
Treatment Steps
Step 1 — Isolate immediately. Mealybugs spread to neighbouring plants quickly.
Step 2 — Manual removal. Dip a cotton bud or ball in 70% isopropyl alcohol and swab each mealybug directly. The alcohol dissolves their waxy coating and kills them on contact.
Step 3 — Spray treatment. Mix:
Spray all surfaces, including soil surface where eggs may be.
Step 4 — Repeat every 5–7 days for at least 4 weeks.
Root Mealybugs
Some mealybug species colonise roots, hiding below the soil surface. Signs: plant declines despite good care, white waxy residue visible when you unpot. Treatment: drench soil with diluted neem oil or a systemic insecticide.
Prevention
Inspect all new plants thoroughly before bringing them home. Quarantine for 2–3 weeks. Keep plants stress-free — stressed, drought-stressed, or overfed plants are more vulnerable.
