How to get rid of mealy bugs on your plants.

If you find tiny white insects sticking to your plant, you must get rid of them immediately. These insects are called mealybugs and they feed on the plant leaves causing them to turn yellow. If nothing is done to control these pests, they can multiply in large numbers. Each female is capable of laying up to 500 eggs. Mealy bugs can drain the life out of your plants. They share a symbiotic relationship with ants. Ants protect mealy bugs from predators in exchange for the honeydew mealybugs secrete. It is best to get rid of these pests when they are less in number.

Ways to get rid of mealy bugs on plants

1. Neem Oil

Neem oil works well to control mealy bugs in your garden. It repels adults thereby stopping them from laying more eggs. Neem oil clogs the airways of these mealy bugs and kills them. Mix 3 to 4 teaspoons of neem oil and 1 teaspoon of organic liquid soap with one gallon of water. Use this solution on plants affected by these pests.

2. Chilli and Garlic spray

Take 3 to 4 garlic cloves and 4 to 5 chillies. Remove the outer skin of garlic and chop it into fine pieces. Use a blender and grind both the chillies and garlic into a fine paste. Pour this paste into a quarter cup of water and keep it for an hour. After an hour you can strain this solution and use it on your plants.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective way to control the mealybug population in your garden. Diatomaceous Earth kills them by penetrating into their soft bodies. You can apply Diatomaceous Earth in parts of the plant infected by these pests or you can apply it to the base of the plant. It is effective against many pests and does not harm your plants.

4. Other methods

Some of the other ways to get rid of mealy bugs is by simply handpicking these bugs or washing them away by using water.

Companion planting is another way to discourage mealybugs from infesting your plants. Growing herbs such as mint, chives, thyme and lemongrass is another way to prevent them from attacking your plants.

Introducing insects that prey on these pests can reduce their population in your garden. Ladybugs and lacewings prey on mealy bugs. Find out more about what flowers to grow to attract beneficial insects to your garden here.

Hope you found this article helpful.