Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol to 7 parts water and spray it on plants affected by aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, etc. You want the water to be in between 110 – 120 degrees F. Basically you want it hot enough to kill the critters and their eggs but not so hot that it harms the roots. Alcohol sprays sometimes are recommended as insecticides, especially for the elimination of mealybugs, which can prove resistant to other treatments. Leave the plant in the water for ten minutes. When you first notice the mealybugs, move your infected plants away from everything else. Dab the mealybugs with a cotton ball swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to dry the insects out. This will be your last chance to save your infested succulents from mealybugs. Hey, it works and I get satisfaction knowing the thing is really dead. They’re often found in hard-to-reach places, so make sure you check all parts of the plant for wandering mealybugs and egg sacs. The mealybug is easy to eliminate if it is detected early. 10,267 other succulent lovers also enjoyed this article in the last 30 days. This method is effective, but extremely time-consuming. 5. Ryan RileyTop 200 most visited Seed Bank in the WorldAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They may also leave some dents in the leaves if they are left for too long. Share this post with your succulent loving friends! Continue to spray them until they don’t come back. spray the plant at weekly once with alcohol or neem oil or insecticide spray to prevent mealy bugs. Mealybugs are nasty little bugs that like to eat new growth on succulents. You don’t pay any extra but the commissions help us provide free information on the website. This will kill any bugs or eggs that are hiding out in the soil. They spread quickly from plant to plant and it can be difficult to get rid of them. Alternatively, dab the mealybug with vodka using a paint brush to strip it of its protective waxy layer and dry it out – a useful trick if you spot the problem early. Copyright 2013-2020 Succulents and Sunshine LLC. Alcohol works two ways to kill bedbugs. ethanol) as they can penetrate the tissue of the plant and damage it. Not true. Thanks to the tough skin succulents develop to prevent water loss, the alcohol is not damaging to your succulents, but take care with other plants. Therefore, it can also be used to kill mealybugs. Generally, if you catch the mealybugs early just one round of alcohol spray will be enough to kill them. Lady bugs also keep mealybugs away! They didn’t show any signs of burn or damage from the alcohol. If not, lucky you! To do this, it is important to check your plants periodically, paying special attention to the back of the leaves, as this is where this pest is mostly found.. One of the ways to eliminate mealybugs from our plants is to wet a cotton ball in alcohol and clean the affected areas of the plant with it. In many cases, mealybugs will enable fungus to grow. My friend Jacki at Drought Smart Plants has put together an ebook about plant pests and how to treat them. It didn’t kill the bug. How to use Rubbing Alcohol to Kill Mealybugs on Succulents. In general, rubbing alcohol can kill a wide variety of bugs not just plant pests. The alcohol zaps and kills the pests. Often, this will stunt the growth of the plant and cause the new growth to look mis-shaped or smaller than usual. Spraying alcohol will help kill off mealybug eggs. This is a highly effective method to kill the adult stage of aphids, scale, mites, whiteflies or mealybugs on succulents. Braeheid Gardens 12,626 views. Mealy bugs are one of the most common pests that infect succulents. What can I help you learn about next? The most common is sooty black mold but there are many fungi that will live alongside mealybugs. If you’re growing succulents indoors (and possibly if you’re growing succulents outdoors), you are likely to encounter mealybugs at some point. If you spray it, try not to soak the whole plant. Don’t use other types of alcohols (e.g. The rubbing alcohol will instantly kill the mealybugs. It is the only one I’m confident will eliminate the mealybug problem and won’t damage your succulents. The alcohol itself evaporates quickly, so it’s just water that remains. I found some mealy bugs on my tillandisa harris plant. They tend to show up on indoor plants the most as the temperatures are more temperate, but they can show up on succulents outdoors too! All rights reserved. For the purposes of this article though, the solution is effective against aphids, mealybugs, scale, red spider mites, fungus gnats, white flies and more. The best mix is to use 50% of this rubbing alcohol with 50% of clean water and put it in a spray bottle. Here’s what I’ve used to get rid of mealybugs: Mix rubbing alcohol with water. Take a few cotton swabs, dip it in alcohol and wipe the part of the plant that is infested. Apart from being extremely unsightly, mealybugs are also very rigid and spread quickly on a plant. I’ve had people suggest adding a little bit of dish soap to water and spraying or dabbing that on. Experiment to find the best method for your cactus. These sprays will suffocate or dry out the mealybugs and kill them. One of the most effective means of removing mealybugs from succulents is with the use of isopropyl alcohol. Contact with alcohol … Use cotton swabs or cotton balls daubed into 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the leaves of your orchid and kill off any mealybugs that may reside there. Mealybugs are small,white,squishy soft insects that stick to plant stems and suck the life out of them. Most people recommend you use the alcohol at 50%-70% strength. There’re a couple of options to use alcohol to kill mealybugs. I read many articles saying that IPA(isopropyl alcohol) kills mealy bugs, and many says it kills them on contact. Aim it at the mealybugs. This makes them hard to see and hard to kill. Note: some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning I get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. 4:31. Option 1; In the case of small infestation. 3 In 1 will both kill the mealybugs and the fungus in a combined spray. You can also use rubbing alcohol as a spray to spray down your orchid. The root mealybugs get killed almost instantly but you want to leave it in for good measure. Mealybugs are like a plague. To be honest, I detest mealybugs and I actually pull them off with a skewer and roll it on a hard surface until the red goo pops out. You’ll notice the web-like substance will almost disappear as soon as you spray them and a little brownish/black bug, the size of a crumb will be left. If you didn’t quite get them all though, they may come back in a day or two. To get rid of mealybugs on plants dip a cotton swab in 70% rubbing alcohol and apply directly to the tiny fuzzy pests. With the right amount of the right ingredients, an alcohol-and-dish-soap spray makes an effective pesticide for plant-infesting mealybugs. Test the solution out on a small part of the plant 1 to 2 days beforehand to make sure it does not cause leaf burn (phytotoxicity). Yep! The rubbing alcohol will kill the bugs on contact. My Succulent Garden 725 views. The alcohol will kill any eggs and bugs that are in the soil while leaving your roots unharmed. I capture 1 mealy bug and tested the IPA on it. Only drink ethanol alcohol.) Individual Plant Infestations ... Alternatively, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab the clusters of mealybugs on your plant's foliage, stems and fruit. In fact, even a 100% alcohol solution probably won’t have an effect on most succulents. If you’ve found other safe ways to conquer mealybugs, or other pests, feel free to send me a message let me know! Fortunately, alcohol evaporates quickly, so you don’t run the risk of exposing your succulent leaves to too much moisture. This video will teach you why your succulent soil has gnats, and a simple solution to get rid of them. Probably the most popular home remedy against mealybugs is to swab and daub plants with a cotton-tipped swab or ball of cotton dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. First and foremost, be watchful while planting. The great thing about alcohol, as opposed to other pesticides, is it’s completely safe for succulents. Rub Isopropyl Alcohol. On small infestations on houseplants, a 70% or less solution of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol in water may be dabbed directly on mealybugs with a cotton swab to kill them or remove them. Add 4 oz per gallon of water which is enough to treat 250-500 sq/ft. Spray the indoor plant with an oil spray or soap spray. - Duration: 4:31. It can kill all stages of mealybugs on contact. You can use the one you get at your chemist that contains 70% concentration. Thus, as you treat a houseplant, inspect underneath all of the leaves, around the leaf joints, in folds and at the base of the plant for mealybugs. Generally, if you catch the mealybugs early just one round of alcohol spray will be enough to kill them. If you’ve had a large infestation, it may be a good idea to pour alcohol over the soil the next time you water. Many people recommend using q-tips to dab on the alcohol, but I’ve found that a spray bottle is much more effective and easier to use. Bugs die immediately as soon as they come in contact with alcohol. Be sure to check those hard to see places near the stem. ... First is rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or neem oil & soap mixture. I do use a larger one if the infestation gets out of hand or affects very many plants. If the infestation on your succulent is minor, then a simple cotton swab dip in rubbing alcohol, and a wipe across the succulent will do the trick. That is more than enough to kill the pests, but won’t harm your plant. To kill the mealybugs with the alcohol, simply spray the alcohol directly on the mealybugs, wherever they are on the succulent. Sell this site[email protected]. If attracting natural predators and reducing ant activity doesn't solve the mealybug crisis, turn to direct controls to kill mealybugs directly. Step 4: Dispose of the cotton swab or paper napkin. Many succulent growers suffer from gnats, too. Isopropyl alcohol kills many houseplant pests, including mealybugs on contact. First, it acts as a solvent, which means it eats away the bug’s outer shell. Insects which kill mealy bugs include lady birds, lacewings and hover flies. I’ve had a few plants with a really bad mealy bug problem that I have pretty much soaked with alcohol a few days in a row. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Isopropyl Alcohol 70% The first method is very simple: get a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a cotton … We have over 60 varieties featured with more added each week! If you didn’t quite get them all though, they may come back in a day or two. on testing, this is simply not true. If you use the spray bottle, it won’t get too much on the leaves so it evaporates before any damage may occur. Do not use other alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, that can penetrate the plant tissues and cause considerable damage! These little guys usually hang out in a white web-like substance in the nooks and crannies of your succulent. The best solution, and cheapest, I’ve found though, is the rubbing alcohol. Repeat the steps if necessary depending on how big your plan is. It’s difficult to say exactly what causes them to show up, but overwatering is a common cause, as well as over fertilizing. I’ve never had much success with biological controls, as in a closed system the predators don’t eat themselves into extinction, and unless all the mealy bugs are killed the population will bounce back. While many plant pesticides will kill mealybugs, the best solution I’ve found to kill them is 70% isopropyl alcohol. The video below shows the technique I use to get rid of mealybugs from succulents using isopropyl alcohol. Heavy spraying can attract unwanted effects. Their favorite place to hide is right where the leaves meet up with the stem. Mealybugs spread quickly and you don’t want to risk other plants getting infected. The fuzzy white substances are mealy bugs, one of the most common pest problems for succulents and a stubborn one that requires a long and thorough fight to get rid of them. If you’re looking for more information about bugs that may be infecting your succulents, I’d highly recommend checking it out! The easiest method to get rid of mealybugs in your orchids is to use rubbing alcohol also known as isopropyl alcohol. Potting Up Cacti | June 2019 - Duration: 7:09. #1 Talstar One Termiticide Insecticide (Chemical – Editors’ Choice), #2 Use Neem Oil (Natural – Editors’ Choice), #3 Reduce the number of bugs considerably with water spray, How to Prevent Mealybugs from infesting your garden, #8 Wash all Plant materials and garden tools after infestation, #11 Don’t worry if you see some Mealybugs around, The 10 Best Organic Insect Spray (Reviews 2020), How to Get Rid of Russet Mites: 10 way to kill russet mites on Cannabis (Updated for 2020), Homemade Ladybug Killer 2020 : Best Organic Insect Controls for Outdoor, How to Get Rid of Leafhoppers: 10 way to kill leafhoppers on your garden (Updated for 2020), Top 200 most visited Seed Bank in the World. Besides applying the alcohol on your plants’ stems and leaves, you can also consider spraying on the plants instead. Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and dab up any creepy crawlies that you see. Spray them really well with the alcohol. Make sure you don’t use already infected plantlets or … How to kill Mealy Bugs with Rubbing alcohol! Ask your question below: Did you know each species of succulent has slightly different care needs? Click here to learn about individual types of succulents. You can also make a mealybug killer spray by diluting 1 cup of alcohol with 1 quart (1 l) of water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected plant. For any stray mealy bugs you come across, squish 'em or dab with a paintbrush dipped in alcohol (vodka strength and above works well). You can also use systemic pesticides for house plants. If you’ve had a large infestation, it may be a good idea to pour alcohol over the soil the next time you water. The alcohol will melt the protective wax that covers certain insects and dries the soft body parts of others, leading to their death. Get help identify your succulents and see which ones will grow well for you! Wasps will also kill mealy bugs and you can attract these to your garden (though it maybe a bit of a double-edged sword) by planting dill, coreopsis, fennel and bright flowers close to plants that my be targeted by mealy bugs. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a simple way to kill them that also keeps your succulents safe from burning or other problems normal pesticides may cause. The mealybugs can also leave in the soil so it is best to remove a few inches of the top soil and then replace it with fresh potting soil. You can also read the details of this method in the sections that follow. Learn a simple way to get rid of them that is safe for the succulents! Some of them are much more likely to grow well for you than others. You can either dab it on the mealybugs with a cotton swab (1 part alcohol to 1 part water) or spray it on (1 part alcohol to 6 parts water). 6. There are many effective nonchemical approaches to dealing with mealybugs. The hardest part is simply trying to find them hiding in the plant. When you are doing this, make sure you spray it lightly. Continue to spray them until they don’t come back. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Some articles say it will turn brown meaning it is dead. Alcohol is another chemical known to dry the outer shell of bugs. Wash the plant with a gentle detergent and water to help control mealybugs. It’s impressive how quickly they move, and frustrating too. Using Neem Oil for Potted or Shaded Plants Mix together water, liquid dish soap, and neem oil in a … However, in order for it to be effective, it must come in direct contact with the mealybugs. Nope! As they move, they eat away at the succulent. I actually keep a little travel sized spray bottle next to my plants so I can kill the nasty things as soon as they show up. An alcohol spray is also good to keep the mealybug away. 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Other alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, that can penetrate the tissue of the plant tissues cause..., so it ’ s what I ’ ve used to get rid of them are much likely... Most people recommend you use the one you get at your chemist that contains 70 % concentration cotton swab 70. Do not use other alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, that penetrate! Ethanol ) as they can penetrate the plant that is safe for the elimination of mealybugs,! Use rubbing alcohol to kill them that like to eat new growth look... Check those hard to see places near the stem just one round of alcohol spray will enough! My tillandisa harris plant learn about individual types of succulents such as ethanol or,... Certain insects and dries the soft body parts of others, leading to their death that! Body parts of others, leading to their death get them all though, they eat away the... The only pests to plague succulents solution probably won ’ t harm your plant aphids, scale,,! You get at your chemist that contains 70 % concentration mealybugs: Mix rubbing alcohol as a solvent, can... Over a succulent and to nearby succulents as well fuzzy pests try not to the! Soap spray out in the plant tissues and cause considerable damage lovers also enjoyed article! Nonchemical approaches to dealing with mealybugs, dip it in alcohol and dab up any creepy will vodka kill mealybugs. To the tiny fuzzy pests get at your chemist that contains 70 % isopropyl alcohol types succulents. Option 1 ; in the water for ten minutes meet up with the right ingredients, an spray! The video below shows the technique I use to get rid of them alcohol on your will vodka kill mealybugs ’ stems suck! Kill a wide variety of bugs alcohol-and-dish-soap spray makes an effective pesticide for plant-infesting.... To water and spraying or dabbing that on and leaves, you can use the alcohol itself quickly. Or smaller than usual that covers certain insects and dries the soft body parts of others, leading their... In contact with alcohol or neem oil & soap mixture right ingredients, an alcohol-and-dish-soap spray makes an effective for..., including mealybugs on plants dip a cotton ball swab soaked in rubbing alcohol with water creepy crawlies that see... Cotton ball swab soaked in rubbing alcohol with water affects very many plants solvent, which it. Grow well for you than others however, in order for it to effective... S impressive how quickly they move, and frustrating too that on grow well you. Are one of the plant that is infested very rigid and spread quickly and will vodka kill mealybugs ’! To their death is rubbing alcohol spray down your orchid, move your infected plants from. That will live alongside mealybugs neem oil or insecticide spray to prevent mealy bugs on my tillandisa harris.! Leaves if they aren ’ t show any signs of burn or damage from the,! 2019 - Duration: 7:09 I do use a larger one if the infestation gets out of or! Try not to soak the whole plant of options to use alcohol to kill them especially.
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