Mealy bugs and Aphids
are the insects which every gardener should be aware of. Both of the insects
tend to feed on indoor plants. So you should be always looking for early signs
of infection by regularly monitoring the plants. Below are tips for identifying mealybugs and treating their infection on the plants.
Mealy bugs
Mealy bugs are scale
insects having fringes around their bodies. They secrete a wax powdery layer
around themselves which makes them look as they have been coated with floor or
meal, that’s why they are known as Mealy bugs. This layer is the reason that
they are so hard to kill. Mealy bugs are plant sap drinking plant which makes
leaves distorted and yellowing. They produce a sugary substance called honeydew
which attracts ants and encourages growth of a fungus called black mold.
Identifying Mealy bugs
Treating Mealy Bugs infection
1. Wash
mealy bugs away with a strong blast of water. A steady and strong stream of
water can dislodge mealy bugs easily. Keep checking under leaves, joints and
repeat the process if infection persists.
2. Wash
the plant with detergent mix water, this will cover the bugs and suffocate
them. You may repeat it many times depending upon severity of infestation.
3. Press
mealy bugs with cotton soaked with rubbing alcohol and swipe them away.
4. Spray
the plants with insecticidal soap. It is made up of mild detergent and pyrethroids.
5. Use
mealy bugs specific pesticide for immediate result but this method is not
recommended because it a temporary method of controlling mealy bugs.
6. In
case of severe infestation discard the plant part or whole plant itself to
prevent the infestation spreading to other nearby plants.
Check out tips for controlling Aphid infestation on plants.
Check out tips for controlling Aphid infestation on plants.
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