by Marijke Puts
Mealybugs are tiny white bugs that feed off the sap from a plant’s foliage. They produce a white coating which acts as a weak form of protection. This can be against certain control products and predators.
Adult mealybugs lay about 300 eggs on the underside of leaves. These eggs are held together by the white coating they produce. Within 1 to 3 weeks after being laid, the eggs hatch into nymphs.
Small mealybug infestations pose little threats to most affected houseplants. But large infections might need proper disposal of the entire plant. These small white pests on plants survive by piercing and sucking sap from the plant.
You can try any of the following methods to get rid of mealybugs on plants:
- a powerful hose - insecticidal soap - rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl - beneficial insects - horticultural oils and neem oil - commercial insecticide