Detailed information on Citrophilous Mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae)

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AnalogDog

Mountlake Terrace, WA (Zone 8a) | November 2009 | Negative

Yecch! these are the bane of my succulent collection. I use regular spraying of isopropyl alcohol 50/50 mixed with water soaking the top and bottom of leaves, and allow it to soak the soil. I have been recently informed that soaking the pots (with plant) in warm soapy water helps to eradicate the root sucking bugs without radically disturbing the bugs.

Where alcohol is sprayed death of the bug is almost immediate. Eggs are laid in the soil, and not killed, so weekly spraying is recommended until no more are seen for awhile. If the plant does not recover quickly, root mealies may be the problem. Unpotting and removing/spraying or soaking with be necessary to prevent plant demise.

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Dianas_Dirt

Kenner, LA | September 2009 | Negative

These bugs are horrible and I've almost killed the plant that they inhabited trying to get rid of them. Remember spray the surrounding soil some of them fall or leap from the plant only to return and re populate it.

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plantaholic186

Winnetka, IL | November 2008 | Negative

In my greenhouse, these monsters LOVE the following plants:

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)
Aeonium
Plumeria
Phormium
Euphorbia
Ficus
Echium
Crassula

All of these plants will withstand heavy pyrethin sprays.

The plants they ignore:

Pelargonium
Opercullicarya (although that's waaay up high, away from all the other plants)
Passiflora

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SimbiDlo

Snyder, TX | September 2007 | Negative

I hate this bug with a passion! It spreads FAST! It completely devistated my Lemon Balm. I had a rather large sized lemon balm, about a foot and a half tall, two feet wide. I had to cut it all the way down to the stalk, because nothing else worked! I have been finding them on my okra as well, and my "queen Sophia" Marigolds, killed three of the 6 inch tall plants! They stay mostly on the underside of the leaves so they are hard to see. If you see one of them on ANY of your plants, kill it QUICKLY!

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waxedout

Tallahassee, FL (Zone 8b) | November 2006 | Negative

What a pest! Fortunately I've been able to save my afflicted succulents by consistent spraying with neem oil.

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MyHiraeth

(Zone 10a) | September 2006 | Negative

This horrible little bug will concentrate around the base of young leaves in softwood trunks. The result is damage to the springs and sometimes to the trunk. I've had a jasmine bush in near death condition because they would conceal their "nests" anywhere less visible, and keep undermining the plant unless something is done. Soapy water, regular bug spray and radical pruning usually do the trick. Just don't give them slack!

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saladgirl

Las Vegas, NV (Zone 9a) | September 2006 | Neutral

In 16 years in the same garden, this is the first time I have encountered this bug. I haven't seen any damage...yet, and am unfamiliar with WHAT there presence might mean. There aren't a lot of them, however, they have been found on several different plants.

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at1a5

Canby, OR (Zone 8b) | September 2006 | Negative

There is tons to know about this pest but I don't claim to be an authority on them so I won't bore you all with my minimal knowledge.

I will share however, one tidbit of information that I've learned from dealing with this pest, and that is when ridding infestations from houseplants, be sure to check surrounding areas for "nests." I had one plant which I kept "de-bugging" but the little buggers kept coming back. Later I discovered many nests hiding under the lip of the pot. Sneaky little devils.

Citrophilous Mealybug

Pseudococcuscalceolariae

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