Mealy Bugs

Mealybugs are common on houseplants and in ornamental landscaping, and are especially attracted to soft-stemmed plants. They are soft-bodied insects covered in a waxy, white cotton that protects them. Typically found hiding in leaf junctures, stem tips, new growth leaves that have not unfurled, and even roots, making these bugs difficult to control. Mealybugs suck the sap from the stems, injecting a toxin into the plant as they do, which leads to defoliation, yellowing leaves, and malnourished new growth.

It's much easier to take steps in preventing mealybugs than to get rid of them. Always check for signs of infestation when bringing a new plant home. Check drainage holes for white cottony masses to determine if the mealybugs are in the plants roots, as well as looking under foliage for signs of mealybugs. Be sure to inspect surrounding plants, as bugs will travel from one plant to another. If you find signs of mealybugs, avoid fertilization as the bugs will be attracted to new growth and can increase the population.

For house plants, cut and dispose of infested leaves or use isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean and kill eggs and bugs, being sure to get inside unfurled leaves where. If you’re treating outdoor ornamentals or feel that the infestation has made it to the roots or is simply too extensive to remove by hand with alcohol, we recommend treatment with Imidacloprid to systemically kill pests and protect your plants from other pests.