home remedy for scale and mealy bug
ron_tacoma
15 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (22)
jane__ny
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Mealy bugs on my Purple Passion
Comments (7)I dunno. Mealys are bad enough that I think you're going to need more than soap. Yes, leaving water on fuzzy leaves can make permanent marks on them, especially if the plants are in sun when you get them wet. But, you know, leaving mealybugs on fuzzy leaves is going to kill your plant, and possibly any other plants in the vicinity too (in fact, you should inspect any nearby plants very carefully, I think, because where there's one infestation, there are likely others). So it's kind of a question about whether you want an ugly plant or a dead plant. If it were me, I'd probably be inclined to take a few cuttings and chuck the rest of the plant in the trash: it's not worth fighting mealybugs, to me, just to have a plant that's as easily propagated as Gynura aurantiaca is. (Granted, the cuttings might have mealys too. But if you taken enough cuttings fast enough, you should be able to outrun them.) If you have sentimental attachment to the plant that makes you want to save it, I'd go with some kind of spray containing imidacloprid, follow the label directions (which usually allow for you to spray the plant weekly), and move the plant out of direct sun until the crisis has passed. The safest bet of all is to do both: cuttings and spray. If the spray works, you have multiple plants; if the spray fails, you at least have the cuttings as back-up....See MoreCan't get rid of cottony scale/ mealy bugs!
Comments (6)I agree with orchid126 and the use of the Bayer product, IMIDACLOPRID. I use it dispensed from the end of a hose. The leaves and the media are covered. Repeat applications according to the directions are the best way to manage your problems. Yeah, I know.... I have heard about insects "developing resistance". Actually, the bugs don't develp resistance. A few survive. Their progeny are more likely to be survivors. My local Home Depot sells MALATHION. I might give 'em a shot of that in a couple of weeks. The bugs have been "on" IMIDACLOPRID for almost 9 months now. After the MALATHION, I have a special treat for any survivors before autumn,CYGON 2E. And, of course, a final sequence of IMIDACLOPRID before the beginning of winter. --Stitz--...See MoreWar on Gardenia's mealy bugs
Comments (5)Yes, mealie bugs can and do hide in the roots, where they can multiply happily out of sight. It's possible that a plant might have only a small outbreak that is easily controlled. Or the whole plant and root system can be completely covered with them. When they "keep coming back", it is a serious infestation and a little bit of killing here and there won't deal with it. Coming back is a sign there are many more than you think, hidden away somewhere-- a "mealie bug factory" somewhere on the plant, busily chugging out new mealie bugs at a stunning rate. The roots are a likely hiding place. They are not harmless, and if you are noticing the plant is sick, you should deal with them in a more serious way than just crushing the visible ones on weekends, because they are excellent hiders, and 10 will probably be 10,000 in a week. Safer's insecticidal soaps are good, but you have to spray at app 3-day intervals for 3-4 sprayings. To really be sure you have them all, you should repot the plant, see if they are hidden in the roots. Alternatively you can drench the pot--ie pour the stuff thru the pot til it runs out the bottom. You probably should repeat the drench in about a week. If your gardenia "appears sick", you should consider whether it is in a pot the right size for the existing roots. It's a huge plant that needs a 5-gallon pot, and a gardenia in a too-big pot has a death sentence. A gardenia will do best in a clay pot that is only about 1 inch bigger than the root ball, and not too deep. In my experience, pests such as scale and mealies are more apt to attack a sickly plant, so just because your gardenia has mealies doesn't mean it isn't also declining from root rot....See MoreBug remedy recipe
Comments (2)I think the easiest method of controlling insects is to use a soap and water solution. Use a soap and not a detergent, Palmolive is a soap vs Dawn which is a detergent. Just a small amount of soap, say 1/2 a tsp in a spray bottle is good enough. Spray all leaf surfaces and repeat in two or three days to get any newly hatched critters. Using an oil is more dangerous for plant health because you can burn the leaves in hot weather or bright light. It's best to spray anything is shady conditions but you will have far less problems if you skip the oil. Products like Neem oil work well and they shine the leaves up but they also can cause burns if conditions are too bright. Neem oil also had insecticidal properties vs regular oils which smother insects. Mike...See Moreburtonr
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agochickadeedeedee
15 years agoSheila
15 years agowhitecat8
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agoaachenelf z5 Mpls
15 years agoSheila
15 years agopaul_
15 years agojane__ny
15 years agolittlem_2007
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agolittlem_2007
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agolittlem_2007
15 years agoSheila
15 years agoron_tacoma
15 years agolittlem_2007
15 years agotschafer30_aol_com
12 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGBid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good
Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters
Full StoryHEALTHY HOMEWhat to Know About Controlling Dust During Remodeling
You can't eliminate dust during construction, but there are ways to contain and remove as much of it as possible
Full StoryMONTHLY HOME CHECKLISTSDecember Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home
It's time to add weather stripping, plan for holiday home safety, consider backup heating, check your emergency kits and more
Full StoryHEALTHY HOME18 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
If you're itching to reduce allergy symptoms, this mini guide to reducing allergens around the house can help
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGWhat's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them
Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help
Full StoryMOST POPULAR33 Magic Household Cleaning Tips
Houzzers from around the world share their tips for transforming housework into child’s play
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: Austin Family Breathes New Life Into an Old Bungalow
Homeowners brighten up their 1948 fixer-upper with new floors, marble countertops and so much more
Full StoryMOST POPULARWhat to Do After a Hurricane or Flood
How you treat your home after a natural disaster can make all the difference in its future livability — and your own personal safety
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN8 New Uses for Your Side Yard
Lovely to look at and delightful to use, these side yards meet a home's needs as dining, entertaining and living areas
Full StoryPOOLS8 Ideas for Petite Pools
Modest in size but big on looks and function, pools like these offer a private swim space without requiring lots of room
Full Story
orchid126