Mealybugs are small scale like pests that live on plants and feed on sap. They’ll readily become a problem on common houseplants and if left to grow as they desire, mealybugs can pose a threat to host plants leading to plant damage, stress, leaf loss and fungus.
This article will cover simple mealybug facts and detail treatments that will cure the problem.
MEALYBUG BIOLOGY ^
Mealybug bugs reproduce year round with females laying 50-100 egg clusters. Eggs hatch what are called “crawlers” and this larval stage will typically feed for 1-2 months. Once they get their full, larvae become adults which will seek a mate and start laying eggs. Male adult mealybugs can fly and will migrate in search of females.
Eggs can survive the harshest of winter cold and with the arrival of spring, hatch young crawlers ready to start the next summer community. But in the home, they’ll be active all year long.
MEALYBUGS IN THE HOME ^
Mealybugs readily seek out any healthy plant whether it’s planted in the yard or moved around as a potted plant. This means potted house plants kept outside during the summer will readily attract mealybugs. In the fall, these plants may be brought inside which unknowingly brings in mealybugs. This is the main cause of mealybug infestations in the home and once they get inside, most any potted plant can become a target.
Another problem related to the mealybugs is the fungus they promote. This is especially true with plants moved inside. The heat in most any home during the winter will allow many fungi to prosper. Sooty black mold is one of the more common and it can thrive in the garden, on trees and in the home on potted plants.
ORGANIC MEALYBUG SPRAY ^
Once a mealybug infestation has been found, you’ll need to treat the plant with either traditional pesticides or something organic. If the infested plant will be producing edible fruit or vegetables, you may want to limit your treatment to an organic active.
For sure the most effective organic mealy bug spray is our MULTIPURPOSE INSECT KILLER. This product will yield long lasting results for something organic even though it has just 1 day to harvest! We’ve found using it twice a month will both solve and prevent ongoing problems and once every 1-2 months to keep mealybugs away
Add 6 oz per gallon of water and use this over 500 sq/ft.
THE BEST MEALYBUG SPRAY ^
No doubt the best mealybug spray is PROTHOR. This concentrate is both odorless and water based making it very safe for use on any non-edible house or yard plant.
Prothor is slow working but this is by design. This allows the treatment to spread so when it kicks in 2-3 days after you spray, it will have spread throughout the colony.
The following “short video” (less than 60 seconds) shows how to use it through our HOSE END SPRAYER if you need to treat a lot of bushes, flowers or shrubs.
Prothor can be sprayed on trees, shrubs and plants as a foliage spray. It will also control the ants that tend to target mealybugs for honeydew.
Add 1/2 oz per gallon of water and use this for 500-1000 sq/ft of plant foliage.
Prothor can also be used as a soil drench too. Using it this way will allow the active to be absorbed by the treated tree or plant. After a few weeks, the entire plant will be protected for a whole year. So if mealybugs return, they won’t be able to feed on the treated plant or else they’ll die.
When using it as a systemic, use 1 oz for every 12″ if tree width. Add the 1 oz to 3-4 gallons of water and pour the mixed solution into holes you create inside the trees drip line. Treating in the winter or early spring will ensure the plant is protected for the whole season.
When using it as a foliage spray, add SPREADER STICKER to the tank. Mealybugs like to hide. Using spreader sticker to the tank will ensure good coverage when spraying. Basically it will “spread” the treatment to the underside of foliage where mealybugs like to hide.
Add 1 oz per gallon of water with the Prothor.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO SPRAY FOR MEALYBUGS ^
Any common PUMP SPRAYER can be used to apply the products above. Just make sure its clean of any product previously used. Remember, you’re treating a plant which is already under stress. Even trace amounts of a herbicide can be fatal for weakened plant.
For potted plants, our 2 QUART SPRYTZER is well suited. It works like any other pump sprayer but is only 1/2 gallon and has a long 23″ extending wand with directional nozzle. This allows the user to spray exactly where needed when treating potted plants.
CONTACT US ^
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Tamara Lickfield says
Hi. I am an indoor landscaper. I have an account with 200 potted plants. I have a problem with mealybugs. Is this product (Prothor) safe to use indoors?
I have tried Safer soap spray but get little results. Thanks.
Tech Support says
Tamara,
Prothor is odorless and commonly used inside homes for a range of pests. Lightly spraying the plants foliage will knock them out in a week or two, usually with one treatment but plan on two treatments within 10-14 days of one another.
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In the long run, the key is using it as a systemic. Yes, it will take a week or two for the plants to absorb it but once the Prothor is “in” them, no more mealy bugs. So spray the foliage lightly for fast control of the active ones you see and then systemically once every couple of months to keep them from coming back.
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Technical Support
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