Mealybugs, also known as mealybugs, are among the most difficult plant pests to control because of their protective hair. However, with our tips you will quickly get rid of the pests on the hydrangea.
How can mealybugs on hydrangeas be controlled?
To effectively combat mealybugs on hydrangeas, predators such as parasitic wasps, ladybirds or lacewings can be used. For mild infestations, home remedies such as a mixture of paraffin oil, water and dish soap can help. If the infestation is severe, chemical insecticides are necessary to save the plant.
Appearance and damage pattern
Mealybugs are easy to identify because of the fine white web that surrounds the insects. The animals, which are around one to five millimeters in size, can be found on all parts of plants. They feed on plant sap and release a poison with their saliva that inhibits plant growth. The affected leaves turn yellow and fall off. If the infestation is severe, the hydrangea will inevitably die.
Causes of the infestation
If indoor hydrangeas are attacked by scale insects, you usually introduced the lice when you bought another plant. If the air in the room is dry or there are longer, dry periods in the summer months, the animals can multiply en masse and cause great damage. Frequent ventilation and regular spraying of the plants can prevent infestation.
Fighting mealybugs
With our effective measures you can quickly get rid of the harmful insects.
Biological control by predators
Parasitic wasps, ladybirds and lacewings are among the natural enemies of the mealybug. You can purchase these beneficial insects from specialist retailers and release them directly on the plant both outdoors and indoors.
Effective home remedies for weak infestations
You can make your own effective and environmentally friendly spray against mealybugs on hydrangeas. Mix:
- 12 g pararaffin oil
- 1 liter of water
- 10 drops of dishwashing liquid
and pour the solution into a sprayer. Spray the hydrangea thoroughly with this mixture at least once a week.
Chemical control
If the infestation is very severe, it is sometimes necessary to use chemicals to save the hydrangea. Modern insecticides are plant-friendly and yet work very well. Thoroughly wet all parts of the hydrangea plant to ensure that all lice are destroyed. Many agents have to be used several times in order to reliably kill the mealybug eggs.
Tips & Tricks
Since mealybugs multiply explosively, the hydrangea's neighboring plants could also be infected. You should therefore always check these and take appropriate countermeasures at the first signs.
