What's the best way to get rid of Mealy Bugs?
Discussion
I have a Nolina plant called Dave which I'm rather fond of. Unfortunately he has become infested with Mealy Bugs. What's the best way to get rid of these? I've tried a few things from the garden centre, to no avail. My Mum has suggested using Methylated Spirits which I haven't tried yet. Will this work? Does anyone know of any other good methods? Nuking from orbit probably isn't an option as I'd like Dave to survive! Thanks in advance.
A systemic insecticide, thiacloprid, is available as Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready-to-Use or Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Concentrate , being systemic it taken in by the plant then kills the bugs as they suck the sap. The methalated spirt meathod is a bit long winded but basically get a cotton bud dip it in the meths and carefully wipe it on the mealy bugs and not the plant. They have a waxy coating and I guess this gets removed with the meths. Another meathod I have used is to put the plant in the bath and wash away the bugs with the shower attachment, obviously the water should be tepid
dickymint said:
Alcohol kills em so yes meths will do. Personally I like Strongbow 
Any particular method of application?Cloud 9 said:
A systemic insecticide, thiacloprid, is available as Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready-to-Use or Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Concentrate , being systemic it taken in by the plant then kills the bugs as they suck the sap. The methalated spirt meathod is a bit long winded but basically get a cotton bud dip it in the meths and carefully wipe it on the mealy bugs and not the plant. They have a waxy coating and I guess this gets removed with the meths. Another meathod I have used is to put the plant in the bath and wash away the bugs with the shower attachment, obviously the water should be tepid
I might give the insecticide a go then. Not sure the bath method would work as Dave has spent some time outside in heavy showers so that would have worked if a shower was going to. The meths version sounds like a non-starter too - there is too much of an infestation in areas that would be very difficult to reach and where it would be virtually impossible to get the bugs without touching the leaves.
Mealy Bug is a real pest on Nolina Recurveatas like Dave as you can't really get your fingers in to remove them without risking nasty paper cuts.
As someone said, spray Provado is probably the best chemical (this is quite potent stuff for a domestic so do wash your hands well after use).
Keeping the plant as clean as you can with a wet cloth will help; if I'm honest you'll be very lucky to completely eradicate it.
As someone said, spray Provado is probably the best chemical (this is quite potent stuff for a domestic so do wash your hands well after use).
Keeping the plant as clean as you can with a wet cloth will help; if I'm honest you'll be very lucky to completely eradicate it.
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