Jonathan
Is an Alchimia client
04-05-2020
Thanks for your response - I'll order some Neufdorff Spruzit and pour mealybug spray concentrate.
Alchimia Grow Shop
05-05-2020
I really hope you manage to get rid of the pests, best of luck!
Jonathan Neville
03-05-2020
I have several bougainvilleas and a lemon tree in a conservatory. I have an infestation of both mealy bugs and green aphids all year round and I have so far found it impossible to eradicate them. I have tried a variety of sprays, both commercial and organic, including neem oil, diluted paraffin and soaps. Nothing seems to work. I wonder how commercial oprganisations cope with these insects? Do you have any products that would work for me?
Alchimia Grow Shop
04-05-2020
Hi Jonathan, thanks for your comment and question. As for insecticides, it appears that you've tried all the options that initiall occur to me, like neem oil, soap etc. You can actually get fairly good results by simply washing the bugs off with a powerful spray, they won't last long off the plants. Although since you're growing in a conservatory, this method might not be the most convenient.
As far as other options go, we've got Neudorff Spruzit which is organic and is aimed at sap-sucking insects like these. On the chemical front, we have a Flower product amed specifically at Mealybugs as well as one aimed at aphids.
However, the frequecy of repeat treatments can be crucial to eradication of the pest problem. In the initial treatment you'll kill the adults but any existing eggs will hatch out and begin to reproduce soon if you don't reapply the pesticide at the correct intervals. For Mealy Bugs I understand that the eggs hatch 7-10 days after laying, so by giving 3 treatments at 7-10 day intervals, you ought to be able to get rid of them.
Another thing worth looking at is whether you've got an ant problem that might need attention. Both Mealy Bugs and Aphids are "farmed" by ants who feed on the sugary "honeydew" the sap-suckers exude. The ants will effectively protect the pests from predators and even move them from one plant to another, so getting rid of any ants can be a very helpful first step to eradication.
I hope that helps, best wishes and happy growing!
