Sasha CampbellIf you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably encountered mealybugs at some point. These small, soft-bodied pests can cause a lot of damage to your plants.
Thankfully, many natural, homemade solutions can help you tackle this problem.
Let’s explore a few simple, effective mealybug sprays you can make at home to help protect your garden.
1. Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a popular natural remedy for garden pests, including mealybugs.
This oil can kill many insects. It disrupts their life cycle, stunting their growth and preventing them from feeding [1].
To make a neem oil spray, mix half a tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water. Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to help the oil mix with the water.
Next, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply it to your plants, focusing on areas with mealybugs.
You can also buy ready-to-use neem oil insecticide at most garden centers if you’d rather not make your own neem oil spray. These pre-mixed sprays are excellent for treating mealybugs on plants.
2. Hose Them
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If you don’t want to mix up a spray, you can try hosing down your plants with a strong stream of water.
Mealybugs can be knocked off the plant instantly with enough force. A good, hard spray from a garden hose can dislodge the pests and rinse them away.
Hosing your plants is a non-toxic, safe, and simple way to combat mealybugs. However, it’s best for small infestations.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
A common home remedy for mealy bugs and other garden pests is diatomaceous earth (DE). Although it is commonly used in its dry form, you can also create a spray from it.
Mix two tablespoons of diatomaceous earth with one quart of water. This makes a simple diatomaceous earth spray.
Next, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas of your plants. However, keep shaking it up as you spray, as it might settle at the bottom.
4. Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is a cheap way to deal with a mealybug infestation. This home remedy can kill mealybugs and other insects.
Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water to make a vinegar spray. Next, transfer the solution to a spray bottle and mist the affected areas of your plants.
However, test this killer spray on a small part of the plant first. Vinegar can sometimes damage sensitive plants.
This is one of the best homemade sprays for mealybugs. It is not a cure, though.
5. Essential Oils
Essential oils can also work wonders as natural pest repellents.
Many essential oils have insecticidal properties that help control mealybugs [2]. These include peppermint oil, citrus oil, and lavender oil.
Mix 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil with 4 ounces of water to make an essential oil spray. Shake well and spray the mixture directly onto the affected areas of your plants.
Some essential oils repel mealybugs and other pests on houseplants and in the garden. However, some oils can be potent, so test a small area of the plant before applying the spray to the whole plant.
6. Horticultural Oil
You can also use horticultural oil to control various garden pests, including mealybugs. The oil smothers the pests. It blocks their breathing pores, causing them to suffocate.
Mix two cups of vegetable oil with half a cup of organic liquid soap in a bottle to make homemade horticultural oil spray.
Next, shake the mixture well until it turns white. Finally, store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it on your plants.
When it’s time to use it, dilute two teaspoons of the concentrated horticultural oil in a liter of water. Shake it well and spray affected trees.
However, you can also buy ready-to-use horticultural oil if this DIY process is too much for you.
7. Coffee Spray
Surprisingly, coffee can also make homemade pesticides. The caffeine in coffee is toxic to many insects. It can kill them.
Some home gardeners have killed insects, like scale and mealybugs, by spreading coffee grounds over the soil’s surface.
Mix one cup of used coffee grounds with 2 gallons of water to make a coffee spray. Leave the mixture to sit for about three days.
Finally, strain and pour the coffee water into a spray bottle and apply it to the infested areas of your plants.
You can also brew a strong pot of coffee and let it cool. Afterward, combine two parts of brewed coffee with one part of water and apply to plants.
8. Garlic and Onion
These ingredients aren’t just great for cooking; they can also be powerful pest repellents in the garden.
Both garlic and onion contain natural compounds that can deter insects. They can help get rid of mealybugs naturally.
The strong smell of garlic and onion masks the plants’ scent. This makes them less attractive to pests.
You need onion, garlic, liquid soap, and water to make garlic and onion spray for mealybugs on plants.
Now blend one garlic bulb and one small onion with one quart of water.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solid bits. Then, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and add a teaspoon of liquid soap.
Finally, apply this DIY repellent spray to the affected areas of your plants. Regular application (once a week) can help keep mealybug populations under control.
Takeaway
Mealybugs can be a pesky problem for gardeners. But with some creativity and household ingredients, you can protect your plants and repel these pests.
Many homemade solutions can help you keep a healthy, pest-free garden.
For more home remedies, this article highlights more ways to get rid of mealybugs organically.
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