Are you noticing a fuzzy, white, cotton like residue on your houseplants? You probably have mealy bugs. We’ll show you how to get rid of mealy bugs for good!
This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
What Are Mealy Bugs?
Mealy bugs are a white, fleshy colored, soft bodied scale insect. They feed on the foliage (and sometimes roots) of plants. The continual feeding can cause leaves to yellow, brown, wilt, and even cause death to plants.
Mealy bugs may be hard to detect right away. They are very small and may be mistaken for dust particles or other debris. As they start to multiply or lay eggs, you will notice a cotton-like substance forming in clumps, often times where the leaves intersect with the stem. This is when most people start to notice the infestation.
At the first sign of mealy bugs, quarantine the plant to an area of the home where it does not come into contact with other plants.
How To Get Rid Of Mealy Bugs
There are two main steps to my process of getting rid of mealy bugs. The first step is physically removing the mealy bugs and their eggs. There are two options that I have found to work well. The first option is using Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap and the second option is to use isopropyl alcohol. Both ways have worked well for me. The second step is adding a systemic insect control to the soil which will help to prevent future pests.
Supplies
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap ( I use the baby unscented)
- Or Isopropyl alcohol
- Bonide Systemic Insect Control
- Cotton Balls
- Q-Tips
- Spray bottle
- Watering Can
- Water
Step One
It is important to note that while I have never had a problem with these products damaging my plants, it is always a good idea to test a small area on one leaf of your plant and wait 24-48 hours before continuing. Discontinue use of product if there is damage to the plant.
Soap Method (option 1)
Create a soapy mixture in a spray bottle by combining one teaspoon of Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap with 8 oz. of water. Shake well to mix. Spray the mixture on a cotton ball and gently wipe down areas infested with mealy bugs. Qtips can be helpful to get into hard to reach areas. Do your best to remove all signs of mealy bugs by checking the undersides of leaves, and using a flashlight if necessary.
Once you have removed all of the visible mealy bugs, soak one last cotton ball in water and wipe all the leaves one more time to remove any soap residue that might be remain.
Isopropyl Alcohol Method (option 2)
Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball or Qtip. Gently wipe and remove mealy bugs and their eggs from the plant.
Step Two
Open Bonide systemic insect control and use as directed. Once you sprinkle the granules into the soil, water the plant like normal. The granules will start to go to work and will continue to work for about two months or so before needing to reapply. The systemic insect control helps to prevent most common plant pests. I have been using the product for years and LOVE it!
Monitor Your Plants
Monitor your plants over the next few weeks, checking for the return of mealy bugs. You will most likely need to repeat step one a few times before they’re all gone for good. Once you are certain there are no bugs, it is safe to move it back to its place in your home.
Don’t forget to continue the Bonide systemic insect control granules! It is key to keeping your plants pest free!
As always, if you have any questions, I’m just a DM away on Instagram. I also have a really helpful post about Fungus Gnats if you’re having trouble with those suckers. Thanks for being here today!
What amount of Bonide granules would be okay for a 6 inch pot?