Wanted to update on this, I followed up with Schultz Houseplant and Garden Insect Spray 709ml (Pyrethrins 0.02% and Piperonyl Butoxide 0.2%) and am now mealybug free!

My Huernia was cut to multiple pieces and I am attempting to root the cuttings. My Crassula 'Gollum' has survived and is flourishing. My Faucaria candida has died from other mysterious reasons, but was doing alright after being sprayed.

Important note that systemic pesticides are NOT allowed to be sold to the public anymore in Canada. I believe you need a Class 3 pesticide license. So anybody looking for Bayer 3-in-1 or anything else with Imidacloprid, you will not find it.

The selection of available pesticides is extremely limited (pretty much to the ones listed above). I have gone to at least 8 independent nurseries, Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and many Garden Centers - only to find the same selection of products. So save yourself the trip to check. =)

We can't get neem oil here in Nova Scotia anymore either...

Blah! I still see medium sized bottles of neem oil at the more specialized nurseries around the Toronto area. But it's not at any of the big box stores.

All these restrictions are definitely better for the environment, but make it harder for us. What do you use instead, Breton?

I saw a post by Al saying a similar thing, if it gets onto roots it can prevent water/nutrient absorption.

Never tested, but seems very plausible!

Haha, I am not letting mealybugs anywhere near my waterpik! Gross!

What a shame, Bayer 3-in-1 I found to be the best way to killing these pest. When used on house plants, no problems for the environment. No bees to kill or other wanted insects. But if they allowed us, some one else with bad intentions will end up using it on their garden and pore bees pay the price. Guess I will have to stock up on this so I will always have some. Thanks for the tip.

Stush

Ewwmayo,

I use rubbing alchohol (spray for foliage mealies, dip for root mealies), plus a stiff jet of water...still wish I could find a systemic sometimes, though.

OMG, there has to be a better way for you guys in Canada. It would take me forever to check each and every single plant..not to mention apply this technique. It would be a never ending job. It's hard enough here in southern California where these products are still legal. These mealies and scale insects seem to infest rather than visit.

Well Neil unfortunate as it sounds pest need a home too As they are also an opportunistic if comfortable they will produce more and even faster then if uncomfortable. I utilize vigilant inspection and isolation. I don't have a problem pulling to an isolated area any amount of trays the pest elimination make over for reason I assume if one potted plant with ANY pest may mean some others may have them as well.

In my experience a seasonally growing plant can be in an isolation area for at least five days with out any "back out there" sun time effect regarding re transitioning.

Not sure about others but five days for me is plenty of time to treat/ inspect a slew of pots A pest infestation here ( of any type ) can also includes a complete soil change that's also been treated of at least the effected plant.

A bit erratic ? Maybe and I'll admit that for the seasonal growing active repoting may not be needed, but an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

Plants can only take so much. Both from me and my havoc and as well the pest problems that will add or take away from the over all performance and results.

Once or twice for me is okay but if three pest pulling/isolating/ aggressive royal treatments are needed in the course of two season that effected plant goes.

Mayo, the scourge is real. These bugs are honestly like a plague that never goes away.

I believe the bugs are all hiding within the tight crown of the newly grown leaves and are munching away. It's so frustrating because the that's how these plants grow, tight clusters and I can't seem to find the best way to get the pesticide in those places.

Bernard- did you consider Andy's treatment method?

Nomen- Do you try to propagate before discarding the entire plant?

I discovered a while ago, pretty much by accident, that a good flea bomb would kill not only fleas, but even a few weevils that were in top shelves in the kitchen. I haven't yet tried this specifically for scale or mealies on plants, but I've suggested to a few friends that they gather any infested plants in a small room, start a 'bomb' according to directions, and seal the door after you exit. Naturally, you also get all people, pets, etc out of the house for the several hours that this takes.

The last time I had to treat for fleas, all the plants stayed indoors, and of course weren't adversely affected by the aerosol. At the time, I didn't check specifically to see what happened to any scale, but it seems unlikely that any stage of insect, from egg to adult, would survive. (Root mealies are another question.) Are flea bombs in Canada the same as down here?

--Rick in CT

RRED- That is very interesting. I would be afraid to try it with my plants though. Can anyone else comment on this?

what kind of plants do you have?

Succulents of course!! Sorry, I know that's probably not the response you were looking for, I just couldn't help it. <grin> I have Many species of cacti..euphorbias, graptos, pachyphytum, echeverias, aeonium, agaves and other crassulas of course. I have some tropical plants too but, not many. Some of those are: Hypoestes, Coleus, Philodendron, Croton, Ficus, Pothos, Tradescantia, Peperomia, Dracaenas, Maranta leucoreura, and strobilanthes, and some red Aglaonemas. I also have the standard herbs and vegetables.

Just make sure plants are out of any sunlight and in a cool place when treating

......

Neil I tend to keep a spare one or two of them harder to find and rarer succulents in my collection even before the main plant has had chance to become infested somethings is usually in the works as a back up In some cases I've enough area resources to grab another trashed by reason of infestation plant or succulent if need be. I've tried my hand at propagating from seed as back up as well with some success, mostly failure though.

As some comments do offer advice ( being backed by reliable resources other than forums advise or not) & seeming as I haven't had any need for a flea bomb in the past I tend to doubt I'd need to use a flea bomb in the.

I'd rather stick with pest prevention over treatment but if treatment is needed >>>> Labels are the law. I suggest that we all need to read and follow them instructions. An 800 # is on the label if you have questions to any pest product or it's proper usage or for any material safety data concerns you may have. Improper use can have some real serous effects if not used properly It's not just the plant, it can also be your life

I was going to say that you shouldn't try this with any plant that could end up in food or as food. With all the flea bombs used to date, it stands to reason that countless plants have been exposed already, with nary an urban legend resulting. At any rate, it's always a good idea to contact the manufacturer with any questions.

--Rick in CT

Rick, thanks for pointing that out about the edibles.

Rredbbeard, Check out the new offerings from Miles to Go and Smoley's. Both got some new steapelias. Put a big order in already.

Stush

<< Rick, thanks for pointing that out about the edibles.>>

Aww...it's not even Friday, and you're already snarking?? <<g>>

--Rick

Rick, LOL. do you ever go to Mystic? they used to have a nursery/garden..really nice one around there.

Thanks everybody for your discussions!

Nomen, I do like your idea of keeping two or more of the rarer succulents. Been keeping multiple clones of one particularly sentimental aloe of mine.

Bernard, my scourge continues as well. Had a single H. Zebrina segment with the root ball planted straight up two weeks ago. Over time it started to slant sideways and I didn't think much of it. Pulled it up a little today and it ripped apart at the base - mealy eggs! Mix and all went into the garbage.

It was sprayed with insecticide a few times too, quite liberally. I think if the eggs are laid among the top of the roots, it is extremely difficult to kill them with any spray at all, even if bare-rooting the plant.

Going to re-spray the segments I was trying to root separately again, just in case. They looked alright, but I seriously question if it's worth the effort! One 709mL bottle of insecticide is the cost of two plants.

Oh! I did microwave the original gritty mix though (two weeks back). Didn't tell the wife what I put in the microwave and let it air out as much as possible afterwards... it does have a very characteristic smell after being cooked a little.

Oh! I did microwave the original gritty mix though

Thanks for the late night early next day of today chuckle