Sasha CampbellMealybugs are common plant pests that can damage many types of plants. Severe infestations can weaken plants and may eventually kill them if left untreated.
You may find them on leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, roots, and other plant parts [1]. They are also often confused with woolly aphids.
It is important to control mealybugs before infestations become severe.
Identification
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects with a white, waxy coating. You may find them on outdoor and indoor plants, including greenhouses.
As they feed, they excrete honeydew, which attracts other insect pests and can also promote the growth of sooty mold.
The honeydew is particularly appealing to ants. In return for the honeydew, ants often protect mealybugs from natural predators for this food source.
Mealybugs attack a wide range of houseplants and outdoor plants, including flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and herbs.
Jade plants, basil, crepe myrtle, azaleas, cacti, fiddle-leaf figs, hibiscus, and orchids are some common plants they attack.
However, while most mealybugs are found on leaves and stems, some species, known as root mealybugs, live in the soil and feed on plant roots [2]. This feeding can harm the plants, leading to weak growth and other issues.
Common Signs of Mealybugs
- White cotton-like masses on leaves and stems.
- Sticky honeydew on leaves.
- Black sooty mold.
- Yellowing leaves.
- Premature leaf drop.
- Stunted growth.
Plants Most Susceptible to Mealybugs
Mealybugs can attack many plants, but they are especially common on the following:
- Succulents
- Cacti
- Orchids
- African violets
- Citrus trees
- Hibiscus
- Fiddle-leaf figs
- Jade plants
- Hoyas
How to Get Rid of Mealybugs Naturally
Below are home remedies and natural methods to help control or kill mealybugs on plants.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Some gardeners use diluted apple cider vinegar sprays as a home remedy for mealybugs. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.
Use it as a watered-down solution to spray on plants and the surrounding soil. Always test a small area first and avoid applying it to sensitive plants.
Also, because vinegar is acidic, excessive use may damage plant foliage.
To use, mix a mild solution of one part ACV with four parts water. You may need to repeat this method several times.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can help kill mealybugs and other crawling insects on contact.
Food-grade DE is also one of the best remedies to get rid of mealybugs in the house. It works by damaging the insects’ protective outer coating, causing them to dry out and die.
To use diatomaceous earth for mealybugs, lightly dust the affected areas of the plant with food-grade DE (this is a good brand). Focus especially on the undersides of leaves where mealybugs often hide.
You can also spread it around the base of the plants. DE works best when dry.
3. Pruning
A good measure to help prevent mealybugs from spreading is to prune infected plants and shrubs. Pruning heavily infested plant parts may help reduce mealybug populations and improve air circulation around the plants.
4. Soap and Water
A soap-and-water solution is another home remedy for mealybugs. Dawn dish soap is suitable; however, we recommend using organic liquid soap for vegetable gardens.
Combine one tablespoon of liquid soap with a quart of water for this homemade mealybug spray recipe. Shake well, then spray the entire plant with the solution.
Soapy water helps break down the insects’ protective outer coating, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Always test the spray on a small section of the plant first, as some soaps may damage sensitive plants.
You can also try a ready-made insecticidal soap.
5. Beneficial Insects
Careful planting of attractive flowers, such as marigolds and dill, may encourage mealybug-eating insects. These predatory insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
Moreover, it is possible to buy some helpful insects and introduce them into the garden to help with pest problems.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (mealybug destroyer) is also used to help control the citrus mealybug and other pests [3].
6. Essential Oils
Research has shown that peppermint, citrus, and thyme-leaved savory essential oils can be effective against vine mealybugs under laboratory conditions [4]. But more research is needed to determine how well these oils work against all mealybug species in home gardens.
Some essential oils may help repel or suppress certain insect pests. However, some oils can damage plants if overused, so use them carefully.
Combine 12 drops of essential oil with a cup of water and a few drops of mild liquid soap to help the oil mix. This creates a mild DIY mealybug spray.
Add the solution to a spray bottle and use it on your plants.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide and fungicide that comes from the seeds of the neem tree. When appropriately applied, neem oil helps control mealybugs and many other garden insect pests.
To get rid of mealybugs with neem oil, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water and a small amount of mild liquid soap to help emulsify the oil.
Shake well, then spray the entire plant with this homemade mealybug treatment, including the undersides of the leaves.
Spray in the evening or early morning. Avoid spraying during high heat; neem oil can burn foliage in direct sunlight.
8. Control Ants
Ants love mealybugs because of the residual honeydew they leave behind.
Therefore, ants increase mealybugs’ survival. Ants may move mealybugs to other plants while protecting them from predators.
However, you can use various organic methods to eliminate ants from your garden.
9. Debug Turbo
Debug Turbo is a product used by some organic gardeners to help manage mealybugs and other soft-bodied pests.
Spray the treatment over affected plants and surrounding areas as directed on the label. You can also use it to spray your lawn.
10. Gargoil
Another mealybug killer, Gargoil, is an organic pesticide used to help control many garden pests.
The active ingredients in this product are cinnamon oil and garlic. Use it to get rid of mealybugs on houseplants, roses, succulents, cacti, and other plants.
You can also use it to control powdery mildew and downy mildew.
11. Hose Them
Another DIY remedy for mealybugs outside is to hose them off. A garden hose can help wash mealybugs off outdoor plants when used carefully.
Use a gentle but firm spray of water, especially on delicate plants, to avoid damaging stems or leaves.
12. Repellent Plants
Some gardeners believe strongly scented plants such as lavender, oregano, thyme, basil, and garlic may help deter mealybugs and other insect pests.
Grow these in and around your garden to see if they help.
13. Rubbing Alcohol
Dabbing mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol may help kill them on contact. This method works best for small infestations on houseplants.
Use standard 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and avoid soaking the plant. Also, test a small area first to ensure the plant does not react poorly.
14. Isolate Infested Plants
If mealybugs are found on a houseplant, move it away from healthy plants immediately. This helps prevent the pests from spreading and makes treatment easier.
FAQ
What causes mealybug infestations?
Mealybugs often arrive on new plants brought into the home or garden.
Overcrowded plants, poor air circulation, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, and warm, humid conditions can also encourage infestations.
Can plants recover from mealybug damage?
Yes. Many plants recover fully once the infestation is controlled.
However, severe infestations can weaken plants. They can stunt growth, cause leaf drop, and, in some cases, kill heavily infested plants.
Should I throw away a plant with mealybugs?
Not usually. Most plants will survive if you catch the infestation early and treat it consistently.
However, severely infested plants that continue to decline despite repeated treatment can be tough to recover. They may also pose a risk to nearby plants.
How do I know if my plant has mealybugs?
Mealybugs appear as small white, cotton-like masses on leaves, stems, leaf joints, and roots. Other signs include yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, black sooty mold, and slow plant growth.
Do mealybugs spread to other plants?
Yes. Mealybugs can easily move between plants, especially if they’re close together.
They may also spread through contaminated tools, pots, or newly purchased plants.
How long does it take to get rid of mealybugs?
The time varies depending on the severity of the infestation.
Small infestations can be managed in a few weeks. However, severe infestations often need multiple treatments over weeks or even months.
Can mealybugs live in the soil?
Some species, known as root mealybugs, live beneath the soil surface and feed on plant roots [5]. These pests can be harder to detect because they remain hidden underground.
Are mealybugs harmful to humans?
No. Mealybugs do not bite people or pets and are not known to spread diseases. Their main impact is damage to plants.
Can I prevent mealybugs from coming back?
Yes.
- Inspect new plants carefully before bringing them home.
- Avoid over-fertilizing with excess nitrogen.
- Improve air circulation around your plants.
- Regularly check plants for any signs of pests.
- Isolate any infested plants promptly to protect others.
Takeaway
Mealybugs can be tough to remove completely. They often hide in plant crevices. They also reproduce quickly, making control difficult.
However, with early detection and repeated applications of appropriate natural controls, you can successfully manage infestations and protect your plants.
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