Just came in from the yard and I noticed mealy bug on too many things. I have never had this problem before, is it just the season down here for them? (Ft. Lauderdale) Some are on buds, some are on leaves etc. I have been treating them on some phylodemdrom on my patio for awhile and I think that I am going to have to go to a systemic on those. I can't believe where they all are.
Question is; with them on the shrubs etc, should I just use the systemic on the parts of the garden involved? There is not enough spray at Home Depot for if all. I just can't believe this!!!!
Plus, some of the plants infected are new a new brug I just got from my daughter.... Horrors............
Nancy Lee
Mealy Bug Invasion
Nancy, that sounds horrible. Please don't send any north. I would try a light application of dormant oil on all that you think can take it. Or spray Dr. Brunner's peppermint soap mixed with water. these are what I would use on a big infestation. Alcohol on a Q-tip works for a few mealies. I wonder if your extension agent has an explanation for your woes.
You might post this Florida heads up to Garden Foes forum also.
Let us know what happens and good luck.
Sugarweed, thanks for the info. When I was checking things out at Home Depot's anti-bug dept, I noticed that none had the ol' warnings about putting on ferns or known sensitive plants. Is is that they have found ways to kill the bugs without killing all the plants? I have been out of touch for about 20 years on all this. Some things, like the latin names, are coming back to me slowly. I just seem to remember that most of the bug sprays could not be used on plants that I had at that time.
What is Dr. B's soap and where do I get it?
I am past the Q-tip phase.
See you on the 19.
Nancy Lee
I don't know what all is safe to be sprayed with malathion, but it definitely will kill those mealy bugs.
Kay
You could try spraying 50/50 water alcohol.
I've had mealybugs bad on a few things and I just spray with straight alcohol. Doesn't seem to hurt the plants I used it on and sure gets rid of those pests. Plus, it's inexpensive.
Last summer I was talking to Tracey and she said she had mealies. I told her I never get mealies. Then the next week I noticed I had tons of them!! I sprayed with Neem oil as I recall. If it is not one thing, it sure is another! GOOD LUCK!
If they're the kind I had, they get in the roots too. Your best bet is a systematic. No other way to reach them. The only good mealy bug is a dead mealy bug! Sounds horrible but it's true!
I hope I'm calling my scourge by the proper name. I see no actual bugs, just a white cottony thingy. Still mealy bugs?
yes
Be careful with using alcohol out in your garden. If the sun hits the plants after you spray with it, it will kill the plant. I know this from using it on my hoya's. So if you are going to use alcohol make sure it is well before the sun comes up or goes down so they have time to dry.
WOW. Jerodsmon..............thanks