If white webs appear on the otherwise almost flawless citrus plant within a few days, something seems wrong. In fact, it is now important to keep your eyes open, because the traces could be evidence of mealybugs.
How to get rid of mealybugs from citrus plants?
Mealybugs on citrus plants can bewiped offwith a cloth or a hard jet of watersprayed off. In addition, treatment with a self-madespray is recommended. The use of soapy water or an oil-water mixture to spray the plant has proven successful.
How does the damage caused by mealybugs manifest itself on citrus plants?
The activity of the mealybugs causes the leaves of the citrus plants to turnyellowish. Laterrollthey curl up andfallfinally fall off. In addition, whitewebsand stickyhoneydew appear here and there on the plant.
What do mealybugs look like on citrus plants?
You can recognize a mealybug by its body, which is covered with awhite layer of wax It can be between 1 and 12 mm long. This pest on the citrus plant, which is also known as a mealybug, often sits in the leaf axils, where it is difficult to remove. Its white, woolly and sticky webs are used for laying eggs.
Are mealybugs a threat to citrus plants?
Mealybugs represent aserious threat for citrus plants. They suck out the plant sap and thus weaken the citrus plant. If left untreated, this can lead to complete exhaustion of the plant. That's why mealybugs should be removed.
What circumstances promote infestation of citrus plants?
Mealybugs often appear during overwintering of citrus plants when it is toodarkandwarm for their needs. In addition, air that is too dry promotes mealybug infestation. For overwintering, place your citrus plant in a cool, bright place that is far away from heating.
How to remove mealybugs from citrus plants?
Mealybugs are best removed from citrus plants with acloth. WipeUse the cloth over the leaves and shoots that are infested with the pests. To get to mealybugs in the leaf axils, you can use a cotton swab. Outdoor citrus plants can be sprayed with agarden hose.
How can you destroy mealybugs on citrus plants?
After mechanically removing the mealybugs, the citrus plant should also be sprayed with a destructivehome remedy. A mixture of:is well suited for this, for example
- 15 ml spirit
- 15 ml soft soap
- 1 l water
Alternatively, you can make an oil and water mixture. Both the soap solution and the oil-water mixture cause the mealybugs to suffocate.
Why is it advisable to separate the citrus plant?
Temporarily separating the citrus plant is recommended so thatnotnorother plantsareinfested by the mealybugswill. Mealybugs also like orchids, olive trees, cacti, hydrangeas, etc.
Tip
Safely pest-free only after weeks
A single treatment of the infected citrus plants is often not enough to eliminate all mealy bugs. It therefore makes sense to check the plants regularly for several weeks and spray them every few days with the chosen home remedy.
