| Suggestions for controlling mealybugs include the following: Dabbing each insect with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Gently rubbing the insects from leaves or stems. Placing the plant in a tub or shower stall and knocking them off with a brisk water spray. Carefully washing plants with soapy water; one tablespoon of liquid dish detergent in one quart of water is a good ratio to use. Spraying houseplants with a registered insecticide; active ingredients include permethrin or pyrethrin. If these solutions don't work, you may have to discard any heavily infested plants and replace them with healthy new plants. Best wishes with your houseplants! |
