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Avatar for jarmand424
Jan 16, 2025 1:58 PM CST
Thread OP
Astoria, NY
Hello, does anyone have an effective treatment for mealy bugs? I'm having an issue with one of my plants and am having a hard time getting rid of them. I've repeatedly sprayed the plant with neem oil, which i read was an effective treatment and perhaps has kept them under control, but i can't seem to get rid of them. The plant seems to be healthy otherwise and they haven't spread to my other plants as far as i can tell. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Jan 16, 2025 4:04 PM CST
California Central Valley (Zone 8b)
Region: California
I wouldn't bother with Neem. My approach (if I care enough about the plant to make the effort) is to literally drench every part of the plant with Insecticidal Soap (then rinse it off) - its a contact poison so when the IS touches them, they're dead. Then use a systemic that will kill mealybugs (imidacloprid or dinotefuran). Until the systemic takes affect (that could be a couple weeks), check daily and spray the new mealybugs.

Mealybugs are difficult to eradicate but it is possible with a lot of diligence on your part. I wouldn't have that plant anywhere near my other plants as they do spread by walking across touching leaves and wafting from plant to plant on the breeze you cause when you walk by. Or if you touch the infested plant and then touch another plant or by some go between (your pruners, watering can, ...). Also, the nymphs are so tiny, they can hide in the pores of pots or table tops so future plants in that area could be infested.

Good luck. Your plant has a pretty bad case.
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Jan 16, 2025 4:19 PM CST
N. California (Zone 10b)
I agree That is good advice.
Buy the good version of imidocloprid from BioAdvanced; I have been having mixed results with the generic brands, and 100% with the original.
Use it at 1 oz. per gallon and repeat in one month.
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Jan 16, 2025 6:51 PM CST
Mid Hudson Valley of N.Y. (Zone 6a)
Check out this video. Byron knows his stuff! https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
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Jan 17, 2025 4:01 AM CST
Name: Gina
Florida (Zone 9a)
Tropical plant collector 40 years
Aroids Region: Florida Greenhouse Tropicals
I have the unpopular opinion lol. I use Acephate. Neem oil is worthless. Granules work but take too long. I use Acephate systemic spray for a quick knockdown and lasting protection. Spray followed by granules will beat them
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Jan 17, 2025 6:43 AM CST
Name: Sue Taylor
Northumberland, UK
Amaryllis Region: United Kingdom Houseplants Frogs and Toads Foliage Fan I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Container Gardener Charter ATP Member Garden Photography Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Annuals Bee Lover
They are extremely hard to get rid of, especially in a heavy infestation like yours. I would ditch the plant and buy a new one - it's cheaper.
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Jan 17, 2025 3:08 PM CST
N. California (Zone 10b)
Acephate ("Orthene") certainly works, but like most organophosphates, is dangerously toxic to the humans, whereas imidacloprid has a very low toxicity to mammals like us.
I do agree that neem is nearly useless against mealybugs, but the extracted compounds (mostly Azadirachtin) are more effective - I have used AzaMax, which some consider to still be organic.
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Jan 17, 2025 4:43 PM CST
Name: Gina
Florida (Zone 9a)
Tropical plant collector 40 years
Aroids Region: Florida Greenhouse Tropicals
Yeah I know its toxic. I take precautions. Mask, gloves, long sleeves. I was a huge fan of Cygon 2E before it was banned. I only use pesticide inside my greenhouse. Never on plants in the yard or house
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Jan 17, 2025 5:42 PM CST
Name: Sally
central Maryland (Zone 7b)
See you in the funny papers!
Overwinters Tender Plants Indoors Garden Procrastinator Charter ATP Member Hummingbirder Frogs and Toads Houseplants
Keeper of Poultry Vegetable Grower Region: Maryland Composter Native Plants and Wildflowers Organic Gardener
'Gasrocks' swore by Azamax on his extensive collection of a huge mix.
Plant it and they will come.
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