Mealybugs can be a problem on indoor houseplants. Although tiny, they can create a large problems if they are not controlled. When there are only one or two, it is not a problem, but when they begin to multiply and infest the plant, the foliage on the plant will yellow and eventually the plant will weaken and die.

Mealybugs are small soft bodied, insects. Their oval shaped body is covered in a white waxy secretion which makes them look like little pieces of fluff. While eating they produce a honeydew (sticky waste) which makes plants sticky and is an attraction to ants. This sticky substance can lead to a black sooty mold which can slow down the plants growth. Mealybugs are a sucking insect, using their sharp mouth to pierce through the plant and suck the plants sap. They tend to form clusters on the plants stems and leaves.

There are different species of mealybug but the majority of them are procreated by the female laying up to 500 eggs. After the eggs have been laid the female dies, giving them a lifespan of around 30-50 days. When the eggs hatch the young mealybugs move around to find food and once they are happy, they tend to stay in one place.

There are some plants that mealybugs prefer over others. They enjoy orchids and can become a real problem.

Once a plant has been infected, isolate it from other plants to prevent the mealybugs from spreading. The easiest way to remove mealybugs from plants is to use rubbing alcohol, which is available in the drug store. Use a q-tip or paper towel and moisten it with the rubbing alcohol and then dab or wipe the affected area. The rubbing alcohol must be in contact with the mealybug for it to work. If the mealybugs are in the soil or hard to get areas the rubbing alcohol can be put into a misting bottle and then sprayed on the plant and on the growing medium. Place the plant in the sink before spraying as you don’t want to ruin the furniture.

If the problem persists in the soil, remove the top 2-3 cm of soil and replace it with new soil. Insecticidal soap can also be used to help eliminate mealybugs.

Whichever method is used, it will need to be repeated as you want to destroy any that were missed and any eggs that have hatched. It can take 10-14 days for eggs to hatch. When removing mealybugs, check the container it is in, as mealybugs are known to hide under the rims and bottoms of pots.

It is always important to check plants routinely for problems so that if there is a problem it can be dealt with quickly before it gets out of control.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres in Prince George

• Highway 16 west at  Kimball Road
• Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road