Key Takeaways
- Isolate affected plants immediately to prevent pests from spreading.
- Identify the pest correctly before choosing a treatment method.
- Repeat treatments every 5–7 days for at least 3 cycles to break the egg cycle.
Mealybugs look like tiny bits of white cotton or mold. They hide in the nooks and crannies where leaves meet the stem.
The Weapon: Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
Mealybugs have a waxy coating that repels water sprays. Alcohol dissolves this wax and kills them on contact.
Treatment Steps
1. The Q-Tip Hunt
Dip a cotton swab (Q-tip) in rubbing alcohol. Touch it directly to the white fluff. It will turn orange/brown and die instantly. This is satisfying but tedious.
2. The Spray
For larger infestations, mix a spray:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup Isopropyl alcohol
- 1 tsp Dish soap Spray the entire plant, getting into every crevice.
3. Repeat
Mealybug babies (crawlers) are tiny. Repeat treatment every 5-7 days for a month.
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