Mealy Bugshow are they best controlled?

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AnnLetters Fenton, MO(Zone 6a) Jun 27, 2009

In one case I sprayed store bought oil spray that said it is for mealy bugs among others, but, though the bugs are off of the impatiens, the spray seems to have stopped their growth & blooming, and leaves are still falling off.

I also have mealy bugs on a number of other plants...Hosta and daylily scapes, phlox and black-eyed susans to name a few. Would spraying with ammonia water (1 part ammonia to 10 or more parts water) work? I need a good, inexpensive solution--these bugs are all over the place!

Thanks for any info,
Ann

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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Jun 28, 2009

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol will kill them instantly. I've never had any problem with the alcohol affecting my plants, I've even got irritated with dealing with the bugs in my potted houseplants and just poured the alcohol over the whole thing (I rinsed very well afterward with plenty of water). I wouldn't advise doing as I did, I wouldn't want you to damage any plants. Maybe put alcohol in a spray bottle and test a few leaves on the plant. Wait for a few days to see if it causes any damage. In the mean time, hand remove or use a q-tip dipped in alcohol to kill them. Using a q-tip will keep you from dripping alcohol over everything, until you find out your plants react to it.
I don't know what attracts mealybugs, how to prevent them, or how to remove them on a large scale basis.

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dp72 Woodway, TX(Zone 8a) Jun 28, 2009

Bayer makes a product that you mix w/water and water your plants with it. It has fertilizer along with a systemic pesticide that will kill chewing and sucking insects like mealybugs. It takes a while for the plants to take up the pesticide, but it does work.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jun 28, 2009

And if you just fertilized and don't need any more right now, they also make a version that's just the pesticide. Given the scale of your infestation that may be the best way to go. I usually use the alcohol-dipped q-tip approach too, but that's best for smaller infestations, larger ones it just takes way too long, the Bayer will definitely be easier.

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AnnLetters Fenton, MO(Zone 6a) Jun 28, 2009

Thanks everyone! Sounds like just the advice I need. I'll try both remedies.

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joycerogers0713 Wiggins, MS(Zone 8b) Jul 09, 2009

I use one tsp. Dawn dish washing liquid to one quart of water in a spray bottle. This has always worked for me without damaging plants or blooms. Be sure to spray the under side of the foliage too. Good luck.

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