Identifying mealybugs on Aloe Vera
White, cottony masses tucked between the tightly overlapping leaves near the base of the rosette, where they're easily missed since Aloe's leaves naturally overlap.
Life cycle
Females lay 300–600 eggs in cottony masses. Spread by crawlers and on contaminated tools.
Damage to Aloe Vera
Mealybugs sap-suck between the leaf bases, causing soft, yellowing patches right at the point where leaves meet — on a plant known for firm, upright leaves, this softening is often the first visible sign of infestation.
How to treat mealybugs on Aloe Vera
Dab visible mealybugs with a cotton bud soaked in rubbing alcohol, working carefully between the overlapping leaf bases. Follow with insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeating every 7–10 days.
Preventing mealybugs on Aloe Vera
Check between the leaf bases periodically, especially on older, more crowded rosettes, and quarantine new plants before placing them nearby.