Friday, February 23. 2007
Bugs
They Get Questions, at the Contra Costa Times, about bugs.
We use Neem Oil as a spray. If the mealy bugs persist, they're probably in the roots, and a drench of the soil may be necessary, or even unpotting the plant, removing all the soil, and drenching the roots directly with Neem before repotting in fresh dry soil.
Q. I have white fuzzy spots on the joints of the leaves of my Christmas cactus, and it seems to be spreading to all the leaves on the plant. I don't see any insects moving, but it has now spread to two other cactus on the same shelf. The shelf is in my dining room, and I am reluctant to use chemicals.
A. Your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has been infected with mealy bugs.
They are difficult to see, as they are covered with a white waxy coating....
Once settled, they rarely move again. Adults cannot fly, and new infestations occur when infected plants are brought in contact....
Getting rid of mealy bugs is relatively easy, but you must be persistent. There are several least-toxic approaches that work well.
Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and carefully go over the joints of the leaves. This will remove the bugs and kill any young. You will need to check and do this every time you water for several months. There are insecticidal soaps on the market that also list mealy bugs on the label. Follow instructions carefully, and repeat as necessary.
A. Your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has been infected with mealy bugs.
They are difficult to see, as they are covered with a white waxy coating....
Once settled, they rarely move again. Adults cannot fly, and new infestations occur when infected plants are brought in contact....
Getting rid of mealy bugs is relatively easy, but you must be persistent. There are several least-toxic approaches that work well.
Dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and carefully go over the joints of the leaves. This will remove the bugs and kill any young. You will need to check and do this every time you water for several months. There are insecticidal soaps on the market that also list mealy bugs on the label. Follow instructions carefully, and repeat as necessary.
We use Neem Oil as a spray. If the mealy bugs persist, they're probably in the roots, and a drench of the soil may be necessary, or even unpotting the plant, removing all the soil, and drenching the roots directly with Neem before repotting in fresh dry soil.
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