Mealybugs

[newnandawg]

I have observed a very high population of mealybugs the last 2-3 weeks and was curious if others
may be doing the same. If so, what are you doing if anything for treating them?

http://www.planetnatural.com/pest-pr...lybug-control/

[AscPete]

I haven't seen any mealy bugs as yet, but have developed a simple plan of attack if needed. Neem oil spray,
its multipurpose and can be used against most harmful insects and fungus (Rust). So far this spring I haven't had to spray since only a few very young leaves have been damaged by an unknown insect, but after the trees developed an increased latex sap flow the damage ceased.
Later in the summer if Rust becomes an issue the Neem Oil will be replaced with a Copper Fungicide.

[FMD]

I have a few of them. So far they haven't caused any visible damage. Picking them off seems a viable way of controlling them.

[Rafed]

Dab some rubbing alcohol on them with a Qtip. It will burn them. If they're a lot mix 20% rubbing alcohol with 80% water and spray them a few times a week.

Cleanest and safest way to do it.

[COGardener]

Invest in some ladybird beetles, they will make sort work of the mealybugs.

[Harborseal]

I put straight rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the leavess, top & bottom and all the stems, especially in the crotches. I've read that it takes a minimum of 50% isopropanol to kill a mealy bug and what you pour out of a bottle of isopropanol is always 70%. If it's labeled 90% it absorbs water from the air until it is 70%.

[newnandawg]

Bob, thanks for that info and can I assume that does not harm the tender growth on the plant?

[Harborseal]

It's never bothered my plants but I wouldn't get it in the soil or on the roots.