All of my Coleus plants are getting overrun with little white puffballs which I think are Mealybugs. It's came down to the end for one of my favorite Coleus "Marooned" and I would hate to lose more of my babies but they are spreading very fast. If there are any suggestions y'all have I would appreciate the input!
Thanks!

Can use rubbing alcohol on the ones you see.. systemic granular is the long term .. I just hate using it because of the hummingbirds and bees

Do your plants look healthy otherwise?

If you have other spaces, I would take several cuttings of each rinse well, and plant them in other locations.

If you can find or buy any predators of mealys, that's an option:
https://www.google.com/#q=pred...

To make use of rubbing alcohol, you can mix it with water and spritz onto plants with a spray/squirt bottle. Should eliminate those that get hit. Try on a test leaf and wait a day or 2 to make sure your plant(s) doesn't mind.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/c...

Allison,
Can you give me more info on the systemic granular that you are referring to? Chemical/namebrand/where to purchase...mealy bugs are feasting on my coleus!
Thanks.

Regina, are you able to add a pic of your damaged Coleus? If chunks of leaf are disappearing, I strongly suspect it's some type of caterpillar if you're not seeing slime trails from slugs. Then can blend in very well and tend to hang out on the bottoms of leaves to hide. Their poo can often give-away their location. If you can find it, you can remove it.

I see that you have the frog badge on your profile. Please know that systemic pesticides are among the most dangerous, environmentally persistent ones that are generally the most dangerous to such sensitive wildlife as frogs & toads. Anywhere that sells garden chemicals should have an assortment of 'cide products. Read the labels to choose one said to be effective against the particular pest you have.

It might be easier/safer/cheaper to take some cuttings of your Coleus, rinse them well, and start over in a clean pot of fresh soil or other spot in the ground.

It is definitely mealy bugs. I have tried so many ways to kill them, but they keep reappearing. I want to treat some cuttings that I will be rooting in the greenhouse this fall/winter, so no danger of killing frogs or other organisms. I sprayed plants in the greenhouse this winter, but could never get them all the way gone. I am looking for a systemic granular to stay in thieir pots for the duration of winter as they are rooting and will become my plants for next year...

I only use pesticides as my last resort, and unfortunately I have reached that point with the mealy bugs. It is so hard to get to all the nooks and crannies to wash them all off on 2.5 foot mature plants They seem to especially like the Red Head and Black Star varieties...

This is the one I use inside the house .. for over wintering it is a must

Bonide Product 951 Systemic House Plant Insect Control 8 Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX1HKI/

Before I bring them in they get a dose of this one.. the jar will last for years and years .. only need a tiny bit to mix up

Merit 75WP Insecticide 2 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FDUHQA/

I don't recommend either of these for use outdoors .. too many good critters can be harmed with them

Most of the time it seems they are in the soil.. and then return after alcohol treatments .. can always try changing most of the soil

Thanks for all the help fellow gardeners!

Good luck.. it can be a pain

Is there a safe diy recipe I can make safe for environment & pets for tiny caterpillars eating my Coleus plants?

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) is a safe bacterium that will do the trick.

PDF file: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Intern...

Al