Mealybugs on Fern (Boston)
How to identify and get rid of mealybugs on Fern (Boston). Size: 2–4mm.
Identifying mealybugs on Fern (Boston)
White, cottony masses tucked among the densely packed fronds and along the central stem, where the plant's own thick growth helps hide them.
Life cycle
Females lay 300–600 eggs in cottony masses. Spread by crawlers and on contaminated tools.
Damage to Fern (Boston)
Mealybugs sap-suck along the frond stems, causing yellowing and weakening of affected fronds, with honeydew that can coat lower fronds in sticky residue.
How to treat mealybugs on Fern (Boston)
Dab visible mealybugs with a cotton bud soaked in rubbing alcohol, working through the dense fronds carefully. Follow with insecticidal soap, repeating every 7–10 days.
Preventing mealybugs on Fern (Boston)
Inspect through the dense foliage periodically, parting fronds to check the central stem, and quarantine new plants before placing them nearby.