What are they?
Mealy bugs are recognized by small white specks on the underside of leaves, but often they are also recognized by their byproduct, which looks like a sticky ooze, referred to as “honeydew”.  Mealy bugs are white insects that grow as large as ¼ inch long and have a cotton-like appearance.  Often they are found in masses on the underside of leaves and in the crotches of plants, where leaves are attached to stems.

What is the damage?
Much like spider mites, mealy bugs pierce plant leaves and suck out the sap.  Their feeding causes leaves to turn yellow and drop.  Mealy bugs are capable of seriously weakening plants as well as killing plants in severe cases.  They are pests that are common on house plants and subtropical plants such as African violets, palms, ficus, Norfolk Island pine, pothos, and many others.

What can you do?
Prevention is key to dealing with a mealy bug infestation.  It is important to check plants from time to time and treat the problem while it is small and before it gets out of hand.  For mild cases, use a damp cloth soaked with soap to wipe the bugs off the plant, along with any egg masses.  Another solution is to use rubbing alcohol on a cloth or cotton swabs in order to get rid of mealy bugs.  Repeat the process on a weekly basis until the infestation is gone.

If soap or rubbing alcohol does not bring success, an insecticide might be necessary.  There are several options for treating mealy bugs in the Plant Pharmacy at Delhi Flower and Garden Center.  Be sure to take note of the type of insecticide for use in the house or outside.  In cases of extreme infestation, it is best to get rid of the infested plant in order to prevent spreading of mealy bugs to other plants.

If you think that mealy bugs are attacking your plants, stop by Delhi Flower and Garden Center’s Plant Pharmacy and talk to an expert.  We will help you determine if it is mealy bugs and how to save your plants.