Mealybugs are the last thing you want to see on your gorgeous orchids. They are annoying pests that are very difficult to control and cause the plant to weaken by eating them. However, there are some simple steps you can take to eliminate mealybugs on orchids as soon as you spot them.
Fight mealybugs on orchids naturally
The best way to control mealybugs is to keep them out of your orchids in the first place, but this isn't always possible. Once you spot these pests on your plants, it's time to take immediate action. Although the process is time-consuming and not pleasant, it is still possible to get rid of mealybugs.
What are mealybugs?
Mealybugs, also known as mealybugs, are cotton-like, oval-shaped insects that are easy to spot when they appear on the leaves and stems of plants. They suck the life out of the plant and leave behind a sticky honeydew that promotes the growth of sooty mold fungi.
Fight with rubbing alcohol
One of the most effective ways to combat mealybugs is to treat them with rubbing alcohol. However, it works if the orchid has few visible mealybugs.
Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all parts of the plant, removing mealybugs as soon as you find them. Removing mealybugs manually is a little time-consuming, but necessary. Since the alcohol cannot kill all eggs, you should repeat the process within 10-14 days to prevent a new generation of mealybugs.
Get rid of mealybugs with dish soap and water
For a light mealybug infestation, you can use a homemade spray made from dish soap and water, which is very effective.
It is made by mixing a teaspoon of dish soap with a liter of water. Test the solution on a small part of the plant first and wait a few days before treating the entire orchid. Take the infected orchid to the sink or bathtub and spray it with the solution. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse the plant thoroughly. Repeat the process approximately every two to three days until all mealybugs are gone.
Mealybugs on orchids: Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a white substance made from ground rocks, shells and other minerals and is an attractive meal for mealybugs. Once ingested, however, it shreds the insides of the insects and dries them out. Its advantage is that it is not harmful to people or pets.
Sprinkling the soil and orchid with diatomaceous earth can help control mild mealybug infestations as it has no effect on the eggs and only kills those insects that come into contact with it. Also make sure that the diatomaceous earth is only effective when it is dry. As soon as it gets wet you should replace it.
Neem oil against mealybugs
Another natural remedy against mealybugs is neem oil. And the best thing about it is that it is not only useful against mealybugs, but it also destroys the life cycles of other insects such as aphids and mites. It acts on their hormones, preventing larvae and pupae from growing and interrupting reproduction.
Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 250 ml of water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the orchids, making sure to also treat the undersides of the leaves where the mealybugs hide.
After applying neem oil, you should protect the orchid from direct sunlight until the oil dries to avoid leaf burns.
Repeat the process after seven days to inhibit the growth of eggs missed during the first treatment.
Reuse the solution every week sincethem the pestsslowly kills.
How to prevent mealybugs on orchids
It is not easy to fight mealybugs. It is therefore advisable to reduce the risk of mealybug infestation from the outset.
- Check the orchids before buying:Be careful not to bring mealybugs home with you. If you do this, the pests will attack the orchid and other plants in your home.
- Quarantine for new plants:After bringing a new orchid home, you should keep it away from other plants for at least 2 weeks. Check them daily to make sure there are no mealybugs present.
- Do not move the plants between indoor and outdoor areas:If you put your orchids outdoors in summer, you should examine them carefully before putting them backbring into the house. Remember that mealybugs can spread from one plant to another very easily.
