Mealybug in orchids, aloe and other plants: 5 home remedies to get rid of these bugs

Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are characterized by cause a white, greasy coating on the underside of plant leaves resembling wool. There are about 8,000 species of mealybugs divided into several families.

The parasites, which are only a few millimeters in size, multiply rapidly and can damage both the leaves and the roots. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete toxins with their saliva, further weakening the infected plant. Therefore, it is convenient to act against them quickly. If mealybugs are not controlled promptly, the infestation It can end up causing the death of the plant.

Mealybug: what plants it infests

The one that is most often seen attacking our plants is the subspecies citrus smut (Planococcus citri) that occurs as a pest on indoor plants such as aloe vera, orchids and indoor palm trees.

But garden and balcony plants can also be attacked by pests, any sensitive or weakened plant can be eaten by mealybugs that they have a special predilection for hydrangeas and boxwood.

Mealybug: how to recognize the infestation

A mealybug infestation can be recognized by yellow, curled, and dying leaves, as well as by the white nets on the leaves, in the areas where the leaves and branches meet and inside the pots.

Mealybug: photo of an infested leaf

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mealybug: home remedies to eliminate it from plants

Instead of using an expensive pesticide that you found at a specialty store with ingredients that are often questionable, mealybugs They can be combated with organic home remedies. It is very likely that you already have some of them at home.

In the case of a light infestation, it may be enough to water the plants, transplant them into fresh soil and cut the visibly infested parts of the plant.

if the insects have nested mainly in the roots, the pot should be disinfected with alcohol when transplanting. If these initial measures are not enough, the following home remedies will help.

1. Soap and oil solution against mealybugs

A mixture of oil and soap has proven effective against mealybugs and can also be used against other types of insects and other pests. The oil is deposited on the insects and their eggs, causing them to suffocate. The soap also has a drying effect on parasites.

Elaboration:

Pour two tablespoons of vegetable oil, three tablespoons of mild liquid soap (based on vegetable surfactants) and ¼ liter of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously a few times. Spray the plant. First spray the mixture only on an affected area to test if the plant does not show negative reactions to the agent. Then spray the entire plant. If the infection is severe, repeat the treatment after one to two weeks.

2. Alcohol and soap solution against mealybugs

Instead of vegetable oil, a combination of rubbing alcohol and mild soap is also suitable to kill this annoying pest.

Elaboration:

To do it, take a tablespoon of alcohol and a tablespoon of soap that must be mixed in a liter of water, shake the mixture well and spray on the affected plants.

3. Garlic broth against mealybugs

Garlic is one of the best natural pesticides, keeping pests away in mixed growing and preventing mold and mildew infestation. A garlic infusion can be quickly prepared and used as a harmless insecticide against mealybugs and other pests.

Elaboration:

Finely chop one or two cloves of garlic and pour a liter of hot water over them, let stand between 15 minutes and several hours (or more hours, the more intensive the infusion will be). Put the mixture in a bottle with a spray head and spray the affected areas of the plant with it.

4. Neem oil with and without potassium soap

This is a very effective method to combat the destructive cochineal. Potassium soap helps neem oil, which is an oil that has a powerful insecticidal action, to remain in the water for longer

Elaboration:

Put 3 to 5ml of Neem oil (1ml corresponds to 20 drops) for every liter of irrigation water and treat the affected plants. If the plague is widespread use 5ml of neem oil plus 6ml of potassium soap per each liter of water.

The treatment can be done both by treating the irrigation water and by spraying the plant.

5. Diatomaceous earth

A very effective treatment to fight against mealybugs is application of natural diatomaceous earth.

This white powder is extracted from marine algae fossils. In addition to being effective against pests such as cochineal, it is a product that nourishes plants.

This substance spreads through the soil and plants and fights pests. Diatom dust it latches on to the skin of the cottony mealybug, and also to that of other insects such as aphidsand thanks to its absorption capacity, it dehydrates the insect.

Also also it immobilizes the mealybugs, making it impossible for them to go in search of food.