What Is An "Oilicide"?

Mount Hermon, LA(Zone 8b)

My little 'Anna' apple tree has this white, cottony stuff on her branches. It was identified by a county agent as a mealy-bug infestation, and he suggested that I should spray it with an ultra-fine oilicide. But he didn't say what an oilicide is.

Is anyone familiar with this product or can anyone suggest a brand-name for which I should look? Thank you. -- Jean

Walkerton, VA(Zone 7a)

Jean, I think the agent was refering to dormant/summer oils. They work by blocking the insect's breathing tubes thus suffocating it. I've used it on dogwood trees to treat scale infestations. One brand is Dexol Dormant/Summer Oil, but there are many available. They are very safe to use. Your local garden center probably carries one brand or another.
Bob

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