Mealybugs! Help!

[Jdarg]

We appear to have acquired a nice mealybug infestation. The stems and leaves of some of our shrubs and plants are affected. Looks like white cottony fluffy stuff- what do we use to get rid of them?

 

[Miss Kitty]

Coyote poo poo?

 

[Jdarg]

Coyote poo poo?

No I am saving that for a special someone.;-)

 

[Mango]

I had something like that years ago, and my local nursery where I bought my plants told me to spray with water mixed with soap. That soap kills them because it dehydrates bugs or they can't poo and burst. Something like that.

I found a link with similar information and more invasive procedures if the bug bursting doesn't work.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6935_control-mealybugs.html

 

[Jdarg]

Thanks y'all!

 

[Lisa Ruby]

We appear to have acquired a nice mealybug infestation. The stems and leaves of some of our shrubs and plants are affected. Looks like white cottony fluffy stuff- what do we use to get rid of them?

Actually, it sounds like you have spittle bugs, they have the white foamy appearance you describe. They love this dry weather and attack everything. I wash them off with the spray attachment of my waterhose, then douse them again, just when they think they've escaped by landing on the surface of my screened porch. A really good daily rinsing of the affected plants should save them until we get the much needed rain to take care of them for you.

 

[Jdarg]

Actually, it sounds like you have spittle bugs, they have the white foamy appearance you describe. They love this dry weather and attack everything. I wash them off with the spray attachment of my waterhose, then douse them again, just when they think they've escaped by landing on the surface of my screened porch. A really good daily rinsing of the affected plants should save them until we get the much needed rain to take care of them for you.

Yes that describes it- thanks!!!! Mealybugs were the closest description I could find, but I should have used "foamy" in my search. It doesn't take too much blasting to wash them off. They are "spitting" on everything. Will they harm the plant?

 

[Lisa Ruby]

Only if they are allowed complete occupation of the plant....it appears we are in line for some help with the weather this week.

 

[DD]

Sending rain wishes your way...........

 

[Jdarg]

OK you local gardeners- here is another question!

How often should we run the drip irrigation- how many days/week and for how long?