Brown mealybugs on plants: natural treatment to fight this pest

Mealybugs are one of the most common pests on indoor plants and on balcony and garden plants. They damage the plants by sucking out the nutrient-rich sap, which in the long term leads to the death of the plants.

To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to control the pest. With these simple tips and natural home remedies, an infestation of brown scale insects can be controlled quickly, without chemical agents.

How are brown mealybugs

Brown mealybugs have a shield-shaped body with a brownish color. The plague occurs particularly in winter when they find shelter and food in plants to hibernate.

They hide on the underside of leaves, stems, young shoots, and shoot axes. As mealybugs suck up the protein and sugar-rich sap, they secrete a clear, sticky liquid called honeydew.

If this honeydew is visible on leaves, stems and in the vicinity of the plants, such as the pot or the ground, it is recommended take a closer look at the plant. Ants are also attracted to sweet honeydew, which can be an indication of a mealybug infestation.

How to remove mealybugs from the plant

If the infestation of brown scale insects is weak, often it is sufficient to wipe the plants with a damp cloth. A toothbrush is also suitable for easily reaching the axes of the shoots and the closely spaced areas between the shoots. It’s important with this method to be really thorough, because individual animals that remain on the plant can reproduce rapidly and propagate again.

Showering with a stream of water, as recommended against aphids and spider mites, is less effective with mealybugs because the adult pests are firmly attached to the plant.

Brown mealybug: treatment with orange oil

Mealybugs are a danger to indoor plants, With this orange oil-based remedy you can combat them effectively and without side effects.

essential oils They have proven effective against many pests. To combat mealybugs, for example, orange essential oil is ideal, as it has a fat-dissolving effect, which dissolves the waxy protective armor of animals.

To use it you have to prepare a solution with which the animals are sprayed. To prepare it you will need:

Ingredients:

100 ml of water10 drops of orange essential oil1 drop of dishwashing liquid

Elaboration:

Put water, orange oil and washing up liquid in a spray bottle and shake briefly before each use.

How to correctly apply the solution

Spray the solution evenly over all of the brown scales. Check the branches, shoots and petioles to catch all the animals.

How to prevent infestations of brown mealybugs

Some beneficial insects such as ladybugs, parasitoid wasps, and earwigs They help reduce pests naturally. Beneficial animals can take up residence in the garden by establishing suitable housing for them, such as a self-made insect hotel. Parasitoid wasps also are available at biological pest control centers and they can be released directly into the garden. They are harmless to man. A feral corner in the garden with wild growth it is also popular with beneficial insects, bees and butterflies. You can prevent infestation placing the plants in a cool and bright place to spend the winter. A conservatory or stairwell is ideal for this, as mealybugs prefer a warm, dry climate. It is important to examine plants for possible mealybug infestation before bringing them indoors and keep infected plants separate from others until all mealybugs have been controlled.Weak plants are particularly prone to attack by brown mealybugs. A lightened and mulched soil helps prevent pests in the garden.Homemade nettle manure or onion, garlic or tansy broth They also help strengthen and protect plants effectively.