HOUSE PLANTS - PESTS - Mealy Bug - How to control

Mealy bugs are common garden and House plant pests that can damage plants by feeding on their sap. Here are some effective ways to control them.

1. Home made remedies

   Mix a solution of water, dish soap and a small amount of alcohol to spray on infested areas.Ensure the soap is mild and free of additives that may harm the plant.

2. Manual removal

Use alcohol: Dip a cotton in isopropyl alcohol and dab it directly on the mealy bugs. The alcohol dissolves their protective wax coating, killing them.

Prune infested parts: If the infestation is localised, cut off heavily infested leaves or stems and dispose them.

3. Neem oil and Insecticidal soap

Spray plants with neem oil mixed with insecticidal soap ensure thorough coverage especially under the leaves where mealy -bugs hide.

4. Chemical control

Use systemic insecticides like Imidacloprid or any contact insecticides.

Always follow safety guidelines and apply sparingly.

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• Rajender Kumar is avid Horticulturist with over three decades of practical knowledge and familiarity with Landscaping in particular.He is astute observer and passionate plant lover.