How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Cannabis and Other Plants

To get rid of mealybugs, start with natural contact treatments like insecticidal (potassium) soap, horticultural oil, diatomaceous earth or a soap-and-alcohol spray, and keep humidity and ants in check so they don't come back. The citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) is a sap-sucking insect that does serious damage to leaves, flowers, fruit and branches, and it's a real threat to ornamentals, citrus and, yes, cannabis.

If you want to learn how to get rid of mealybugs, here's a complete guide to the different kinds of scale insects and mealybugs that can hit your garden, veggie patch or houseplants. We'll also give you effective, easy-to-follow methods to knock out this nasty pest fast and keep your plants healthy and vigorous.

Types of mealybugs and scale insects

Several kinds of mealybugs and scale insects can infest your garden, and the most common are the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi). These pests cover their eggs in a waxy, cottony coating and also secrete sticky honeydew, which makes them harder to get rid of.

Mealybugs are among the most common garden pests. These insects, about 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) long, attack all kinds of plants and hide on the undersides of leaves. The males have wings and look like tiny flies, while the wingless females lay around 2,000 eggs and wrap them in that protective coating.

Mealybugs are grayish or pale yellow, oval-shaped and always covered in a cottony layer. They thrive in warm, humid climates, while hard cold keeps them in check.

Some of the most common mealybugs and scales in warm climates include:

• Long-tailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus)
• Obscure or tomato mealybug (Pseudococcus affinis)
• Oystershell scale (Lepidosaphes)
• Chaff scale (Parlatoria pergandii)
• Black olive scale (Saissetia oleae)
• Chinese wax scale (Ceroplastes sinensis)

Knowing these types will help you identify and fight these pests more effectively and keep your plants healthy and good-looking.

How to get rid of mealybugs

Spotting mealybugs early is crucial if you want to act in time and protect your plants. If you notice yellowing leaves, dropped flowers and fruit, and a generally rundown look, there's a good chance you've got mealybugs. Ants are another giveaway, since they're drawn to the honeydew mealybugs produce.

Once you've confirmed mealybugs, here are four natural ways to get rid of them:

1. Potassium soap
   Potassium soap, sold as insecticidal soap, is a natural insecticide that softens the mealybug's outer coating and suffocates it. It's effective and eco-friendly, perfect for keeping your plants pest-free without harsh chemicals.
2. Paraffin oil
   Paraffin oil (a type of horticultural oil) forms a protective film over the plant and works as a long-lasting natural insecticide. It's especially handy on olive and lemon trees, giving them ongoing protection against mealybugs.
3. Diatomaceous earth
   Diatomaceous earth dries mealybugs out on contact. It's not the most common method, but it's excellent for clearing mealybugs off cacti and succulents, which makes it a great option for gardens with succulents that need gentle treatment.
4. Soap and alcohol
   Mix liquid soap with clean water and add denatured alcohol in equal parts. This spray works well against mealybugs and is easy to make at home, a quick, cheap fix for this pest.

Mealybugs can put your plants' health at risk, but you don't need to reach for harsh chemicals. These natural methods are eco-friendly, effective ways to wipe out mealybugs and keep your plants healthy and thriving.

How to keep mealybugs off your cannabis plants

Mealybugs can be hard to spot and can do serious damage if you don't control them in time. To keep them from showing up and keep your garden healthy, follow these practical tips:

1. Keep humidity in check

Avoid excess moisture in your garden. Water in moderation and make sure your soil drains well. Mealybugs thrive in humid environments, so keeping humidity low is key.

2. Watch out for ants

Ants can carry mealybugs around and help them spread. Keep an eye out for ant trails and keep them under control in your garden to stop mealybugs from spreading.

3. Prune and inspect regularly

Prune your plants often and check the backs of flowers and leaves, the mealybug's favorite hiding spots. When your plants are well kept and checked often, it's much easier to catch and remove pests in time.

4. Clean your containers and trays

Wash your containers and drip trays with plenty of soap and water. Regular cleaning gets rid of any mealybug eggs and larvae hanging around and keeps them from spreading to other plants.

5. Replace the soil

If your garden keeps getting hit, consider replacing the soil. Contaminated soil can be a hideout for cannabis pests, and swapping it out can help wipe out the infestation and prevent future ones.

Follow these tips and you can prevent and control mealybugs effectively. Keep your garden healthy and pest-free with these simple but important habits.