Mealybugs also called “woolly aphids”, include many species with a wide range of host plants. They are a type of soft scale coated with a woolly, waxy secretion that provides protection and decreases the effectiveness of contact insecticides. Like many other soft-bodied insects, mealybugs damage plants by feeding on sap and other cell contents. A small sap-sucking scale insect that is coated with a white powdery wax resembling meal and which can be a serious pest
What is neem oil? Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide found in seeds from the neem tree. It is yellow to brown, has a bitter taste, and has a garlic/sulfur smell. We are using it for hundreds of years to control pests and diseases.
Neem oil for Mealybugs
We can apply neem oil directly to active infestations. It will kill all stages of mealybugs on contact. Use caution applying neem oil when pollinators are present. Horticultural Oil applications will kill overwintering eggs and smother immature and adult mealybugs when temperatures are <85°F.
How to use neem oil for mealybugs
We can apply neem oil directly to active infestations. It will kill all stages of mealybugs on contact. Use caution applying neem oil when pollinators are present.
It works in relatively the same way as insecticidal soap (see below), except it has the added benefit of also being a fungicide. It also has systemic benefits that make it extra special because the plant’s roots absorb it. the oil so when a new insect tries to invade your plant. they’ll be gobbling up lethal neem. Nifty.
You can use it on veggies, food plants, as well as ornamental plants, and it, ‘s non-toxic to pets and humans.
How to get rid of mealybugs
Identifying mealybugs:
The first step to treating mealybug is identifying it. Mealybug appears to the naked eye as a white, cotton-like substance. on the plant’s leaves and stems, and in reality, they’re small. wingless insects measuring between 1/10th and 1/4th of an inch long. They’re not particularly mobile once they begin feeding, so can often be mistaken for dust, mold, or some trapped fluff. It is most often found on the soft tissue of the plant, particularly in new growth areas.
Washing mealybugs from plants leaves:
Mealybug is one of the easiest houseplant pests to rid yourself of, provided the problem is attended to with a certain vigilance. Small, isolated infestations can be treated with rubbing alcohol applied to the affected area with a Q-Tip. Physically removing the pests daily can often rid the infestation if it is a small one. For larger invasions. begin by physically removing all visible pests with the Q-tip/alcohol method. or by hosting. the plant down under the sink or shower faucet, dislodging. the bugs and taking care not to overwater the soil with the runoff.
Applying neem oil to leaves:
Next, mix neem oil with water, and apply this to the plant. You can either apply the oil and water mixture via a cloth or a spray bottle. but thoroughly wipe down the leaves and stems, paying special attention to the most affected areas. Neem oil is a natural pesticide and leaf shine that’s been used for hundreds of years on crops and houseplants alike. Best of all, it’s non-toxic to birds, animals, and many beneficial insects. Repeat application in 7 days intervals until the mealybug is no longer present.
Serious infestation:
For serious infestations that are undeterred by neem oil, insecticidal soap is a stronger option for treatment. When the insects are present, apply thoroughly to all of the plant’s surfaces and repeat every 10 days until you no longer see any of the bugs. For a specific guide, follow the instructions on your bottle. Please note insecticide (neem included) should be applied in the evening. Or when the plant is removed from the direct sun. as sunlight combined with the insecticide can burn a plant.
Separate infected leaves:
Separate the affected plant from the rest of your collection while it recovers, taking special care to ensure. that none of the plant’s leaves are touching another plant’s. For future prevention, regularly wiping down the leaves with a damp microfiber cloth can help deter mealybug from returning.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)
Is neem oil good for mealybugs?
Neem oil is a naturally occurring insecticide that is found in the seeds of the Indian neem tree. The oil is extracted from the tree seeds and is either sold in its pure form or mixed with other ingredients to make pesticide sprays.
Neem oil won’t kill all of the bugs on contact. so it might take a few days, weeks, or even months for them to disappear from the plant.
How to use neem oil for mealybugs?
Also, before spraying anything, including neem oil. on any of your plants. always be sure to test it on one or two leaves first to make sure it won’t harm the leaves.
To test it, douse a leaf or two, then let it sit for at least 24 hours (one week to be safe). If there’s no damage to the treated leaf, then it’s safe to spray the whole plant.
And please remember that all forms of pesticides, even natural ones, should be used with care. Always follow the instructions on the label, and take care not to inhale or swallow it, or spray it directly on any beneficial insects.
Last Words
Neem oil (here is my favorite on Amazon)works as a preventative method as well as pest control for an existing infestation. Use neem oil during the morning or evening hours. Avoid using neem oil during the middle of the day, as a combination. Neem oil and direct sunlight can burn the plants. Neem oil is effective throughout the growing season. as it can kill pests during every stage of their lifecycle. including eggs, larvae (also called grubs) pupas, and adults. Moreover, it is also necessary to know which types of plants need drainage holes in their bucket and which do not. So here is another article regarding the watering care of your plant that doesn’t need drainage holes.