Easy treatment for White fuzzy critters (Mealybugs) on your plants

If you notice that the plants in your garden are covered by snow-like white fuzzy stuff, they are most likely being attacked by Mealybugs. These insects attack a wide range of vegetation, including fruit trees, gardenias, citrus trees, flower beds, and house plants.

Mealybug infestations are common. The insects may be present in the soil you use for your plants. New plants you buy from the nursery may already be infested. While buying a plant, or procuring soil check them thoroughly for Mealybugs. They can also appear on plants if you over-fertilize or over-water them.

Mealybugs should be treated immediately. Once these bugs attack your plant, they can grow quickly if unchecked, and kill the plant. If the infestation is mild, it can be treated with home remedies. However, if it is severe, it’s best to get rid of that plant, to prevent it from spreading to other plants.

First, a couple of safety tips while dealing with Mealybugs:

• • Always wear gloves while treating your plants.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after treating the plants.

The first thing you should do is isolate the plant that is infested. Subsequently, you can try these remedies to treat the plant:

• • Take a spray bottle and mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol in about 4 cups of water. Add 1-2 tsp of dish soap to it. Mix it well and spray it on the infested plant. Cover all areas, like leaves, under the stem, inside the folds, etc. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week, depending upon the level of infestation. This is an effective way to get rid of them. Rubbing alcohol is a cooling and soothing liquid for external application that contains approx. 70% denatured ethanol or isopropanol. This is easily available and can also be bought online.
  • Another way is to simply add 3-4 tsp of dish soap to about 4-5 cups of water and spray it on the plant. Leave the plant for a few hours. After that wash/spray the plant with fresh water. You can repeat this process for a few days and these bugs will be gone. If the plant is not very delicate and can survive hot water, it’s best to use hot water.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water can also come to your rescue. Don’t use the vinegar directly on the plant as it can be damaging. Repeat this process for a couple of days to get rid of Mealybugs.
  • Baking Soda mixed with water can also help fight mealybugs. Make a solution with 1 tsp of baking soda and 3 cups of water and spray it on the plant. After a few hours, wash the plant with fresh water.
  • Peppermint/Neem/Ginger oil can also prove to be helpful. These oils are natural repellents for bugs in the garden. They not only help you in getting rid of insects/bugs, but also leave a pleasant fragrance. However, mixing oil and water is challenging. So you need to create an emulsification. Mix a few drops of oil with 1/2 tsp of liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly to get a thick creamy liquid. Now take about 3-4 cups of warm water and pour this creamy liquid into warm water and shake the bottle. This creates emulsification, which can then be sprayed on the plants.