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• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Control a minor infestation with rubbing alcohol
• Method 2 of 4: Using neem oil for houseplants and plants in the shade
• Method 3 of 4: Using an insecticide
• Method 4 of 4: Prevent mealybug infestations

Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of plants. Although they are small, mealybugs can cause significant damage to the plants in your garden if you don't control them. If your plants start to droop and die, it could be because of mealy bugs. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate mealybugs so that your plants stay green and healthy.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Control a minor infestation with rubbing alcohol

1. Dip a cotton swab in a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Avoid using other forms of alcohol or you could harm the plant you are treating.
2. Rub the cotton swab over the surface of the infected plant. Make sure to rub under the leaves and in the cracks in the branches as well. Mealybugs tend to hide in hard-to-reach areas, so it's important to cover the plant completely with rubbing alcohol.
3. Use a spray bottle to apply the alcohol to larger plants. Fill the spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray the surface of large plants infested with mealybugs.
4. Remove any mealybugs you see on the plant. Mealybugs look like tiny white bugs with a waxy coating. Pick the mealybugs from the plant with your hand and throw them in the waste bin.
   • Mealybugs don't bite, but it's okay to wear gardening gloves so you don't get the waxy coating on your fingers.
5. Repeat weekly until the mealybugs are gone. Since mealybugs are good at hiding in hard-to-reach areas, you will likely need to apply the treatment more often before they are all dead. Even if you no longer see mealybugs, it is good to do a few more treatments in case a few are left behind.
   • You know the mealybugs are gone when you can't see them anymore and your plant stays healthy and green.

Method 2 of 4: Using neem oil for houseplants and plants in the shade

1. Mix water, dish soap, and neem oil together in a spray bottle. Use 1 teaspoon of neem oil and 2 to 3 drops of dish soap. Neem oil is a vegetable oil that is extracted from neem trees and can be used to kill mealybugs.
2. Spray the plant until it is completely wet. Make sure to also spray under the leaves, at the base of the branches, and over the surface of the soil. The mealybugs should be completely covered with the neem oil mixture.
3. Move the plant to a shady spot to dry. Do not leave the plant in direct sunlight or heat, otherwise it could burn. If you are spraying outdoor plants that are rooted in the soil, wait for a shady day with a temperature below 30 degrees Celsius.
4. Spray the plant weekly until the mealybugs have disappeared. One treatment probably won't kill all of the mealybugs on the plant. Since mealybugs have a fast life cycle, you should control the newly hatched mealybugs weekly until all mealybugs are dead.
   • If the plant looks healthy and you no longer see mealybugs, they are probably gone.

Method 3 of 4: Using an insecticide

1. Cut away any infected branches before applying insecticide. Infected branches have a waxy coating on them. Cutting it away will help get rid of the mealybugs and will make the insecticide more effective because the mealybugs will have fewer places to hide.
2. Use an insecticide designed for ornamental plants. Check the insecticide's label if you are unsure. Avoid using insecticides that are not made for ornamental plants, as this could harm the affected plant.
   • Some ornamental plant insecticides that you can use to kill mealybugs include acephate, malathion, carbaryl, and diazinon.
3. Spray the plant completely with the insecticide. The insecticide should drip off the leaves and branches of the plants. Make sure to also spray under the leaves and at the base of branches.
   • Follow the application instructions that came with the insecticide to get the best results.
4. Apply the insecticide regularly until all mealybugs are killed. More than one treatment may be required to remove all mealybugs from the plant. Check the instructions that came with the insecticide to determine how often you can use it without harming the plant.
   • If the plant revives and you no longer see mealybugs, the infestation has probably resolved.

Method 4 of 4: Prevent mealybug infestations

1. Inspect new plants for mealybugs before putting them in your garden. Look for small, round, wax-covered insects that are a white color. If you find mealybugs on a new plant, remove and discard them by hand. If there are a lot of mealybugs on the plant, you may want to throw it away or return it to the place where you bought it.
   • Never place a mealybug infested plant in your garden or the infestation will spread to other plants.
2. Check your plants for mealybugs regularly. It is easier to prevent a serious mealybug infestation if you regularly treat small outbreaks. If you find mealybugs on any of your plants, pick them off by hand. If the plant is severely infested, remove it from your garden so the infestation does not spread.
3. Discard any gardening tools that are infested with mealybugs. Mealybugs can also focus on garden tools such as shovels, plant clamps and pots. Always check your tools for mealybugs and avoid using them if you find the bugs or they could infect your other plants.
4. If possible, avoid fertilizing your plants with nitrogen. High nitrogen values ​​can accelerate the reproduction of the mealybugs. If your plants don't need nitrogen fertilizer, use one without nitrogen.