They're heeere... All Natural Mealybug Treatment for Succulents

It's that time of year (summer) when mealybugs are at their worst and sure enough I found a pot with multiple succulents under attack. Here's a natural method using just running water and diatomaceous earth - it's tedious work but better safe than sorry!
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[@artistocracy]

You may want to try this: a basin of lukewarm water to cold water with one drop of dish detergent and then swish the plant upside down in it and then rinse with cold water and dry upside down on a tray. I did this with some aeoniums that I cut from a huge plant that was outside someone's fence on a beach walk a couple months ago that were resting on a tray here at home when I saw the white bugs! It worked, btw. The plants are doing great still on the tray waiting to get potted up. Love our industrious ants!

[@SucsForYou]

Oh I've tried this method too lol! Definitely an option!

[@stevevaughn2040]

Great, now my day will be spent uprooting my plants

[@lavadaramirez3768]

I read that rubbing alcohol on a q-tip. I tried neem oil, watered down dis soap, new soil and still have them. I lost 3 nice plants. The q-tip thing works well for on top of the plant. Just make sure you use a spray bottle with water or rinse any remaining alcohol. Currently, all of mine are indoor plants. So far, so good.

[@RichardKHayes]

Thank you for each of your videos. These are very, very helpful and each video is like ‘a new discovery” helping my cactus & succulents to have a happy home. 🤠 Here in Alabama, flaunts have so many challenges especially with such high humidity. Bugs of many types love the South. These videos help tremendously! Many thanks. 👍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@SucsForYou]

You are so welcome!

[@gardenextra7415]

This video is a year old still just as valid. I've watched several of your videos and really enjoyed them. Started doing succulents about 3 years ago. I think at this point they may be my favorite. New subscriber

[@SucsForYou]

Thank you Robin! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@thothtahuti5509]

I love you for saving the spider! I haven't intentionally killed anything (anything at all, even insects, so it's nice to see someone save a spider, I'm usually the spider saver among my friends ::)

[@catherinec2967]

Thank you for this video. You have a lot of great information and I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these-the many edits, plant labels and titles, and macro shots of the ants! Plus you include your USDA zone which is so helpful (and not too many people include that info). Keep up the good work!

[@SucsForYou]

Thank you Catherine! It's worth the effort as long as it's helpful! 🙏

[@brandiehayes4452]

I moved a month ago and about a week after I moved I noticed my string of bananas was shriveling up towards the base of the stem, thought it was just from under watering. Gave it a good drink and noticed it seemed to be worse, but figured maybe my plant went in shock from the move. Last week I found the culprit was mealy bugs! It had taken over 2 hanging string of bananas basket, one large string of pearls, and two small potted pearls. Luckily I saved all but the large pearl basket. I used water with a little dish soap and a little rubbing alcohol, but wish I could’ve found neem oil instead.

[@SucsForYou]

They are SO dang sneaky!! I'm glad you found them before anymore damage was done :/ Neem oil works pretty much the same way and you would still need to rinse so good job!

[@gymeni]

Brandie Hayes I am new to succulents and have just begun to experience mealys. I can confirm that they love some hanging/trailing plants! I’m using organic insecticidal soap.

[@davidmccoy9021]

I grew Orchids once upon a time. I Hate Mealies and Scale! Air movement helped to keep the scoundrels a bay. I was wondering how you felt about a total replacement of the potting media? I had to repot orchids to run them off. Very new to succulents. I love you videos! Thank you for taking the time to share your skill.

[@SucsForYou]

I'm afraid of Orchids lol! I do need to give them another go someday :) Yes, replace the soil if you have any doubt about the pests not being totally gone 🙏

[@christinechipman9973]

What is the oil you used in the soil,, please? I live in Australia, and I''ve never heard of it before. Love all your videos, and they have been so helpful, because I'm just starting to build a collection of succulents and cactus. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share all the information to help us. Very much appreciated.

[@SucsForYou]

I've used Neem oil on the plants but this is diatomaceous earth

[@bkrbkrl]

D.E. only works dry: once it gets wet it expands and softens, no longer having the sharp edges that kill/deter bugs. It has to be re-applied after rain/every watering.

[@GardenRudiments]

It must be that time of the summer when they really start to show up. I”m having problems also. My graptepetalums are bad about getting them. You’re natural remedy seems to work great!

[@SucsForYou]

Unfortunately summers seem to be the worst time of year - they wait until we're too hot to do battle 😅

[@GardenRudiments]

@@SucsForYou You're exactly right and they show up and take over seemingly overnight!

[@ceekaylongbeach]

I know you are always coming up with new solutions. Are you still using Diatomaceaous Earth in this situation? Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@SucsForYou]

DE isn't very effective - a direct topical solution or systematic is more ideal.

[@vbenedetti1220]

Is that a piece of selenite crystal in your pot? I’ve always been to afraid to put my crystals with my plants. Love it! I’m definitely going to be using diatomaceous earth.

[@SucsForYou]

Yes it is!

[@dawnheard1263]

Bonide systemic granules.....cut by half and water in super slowly over a week or two. Gives you a better piece of mind. Would kill any ants in the soil too.

[@succulents6137]

I find mealies stick to the plant even when I wash it. Little suction cups!

[@CastIronCooking]

*Yes it’s definitely worth it Andrea!*

[@brandonlow1490]

Im mealybug free since i started using 4 to 1 on rubbing alchohol and water. Dosnt hurt the furina .. good luck

[@lorrihager1057]

Do you use every time you water

[@erikaskaar]

Howdy from North Richland Hills (20mins away from DFW airport) Thank you for a very informative video!

[@SucsForYou]

Howdy back at ya! Thanks!

[@nyokamullins4000]

probably a dumb ?? but I'm a newby, so I'm wondering where do the mealy bug's start??? from the soil or from the plant??. I know they can spread from one plant from another but just wondering where to start treating. soil or plant's. tks, since June I have collected about 100 succulent's, some I know the name's and some I ordered in a bunch, so I'm learning from all you nice ppl on youtube. I don't have a youtube account, but I am on facebook, but have not posted any plant's yet, waiting for more grow light's since I have to keep mine indoor's in Michigan. but most are doing good. tks for all the video's and information Nicky

[@SucsForYou]

They're typically found on the plant and need to come in contact with the 'medicine' you're treating them with ;)

[@kimberlyjones2749]

I would have changed the soil. How did it go?? Did they reappear

[@SucsForYou]

That would be ideal of course but I didn't have time to repot everything this weekend :/ But so far, so good! I'm keeping a close watch !

[@majlyngesen5529]

Kimberly Jones me too.

[@Crystal-be9ze]

If you have one of those children’s medicine syringes you can shoot the water or alcohol inside the center between the petals easier, I was told that water alone will never cure them and that you must you alcohol or an insecticide/pesticide from the store

[@michaelflett7921]

hi andrea,another great video,so much brilliant info.best wishes from north east england

[@SucsForYou]

Thanks Michael!

[@valiumsurbanjungle2041]

With the really unusual weather we're having (again!!), I'm expecting to find a lot more mealies than I have so far and not just on my succulents. I still use water/soap/alcohol solution though, it seems to be working, but I might sprinkle some DE. Best of luck!!

[@SucsForYou]

Thank you! Good luck to you too!

[@nattyssucculentlife8462]

I’ll definitely be trying the diatomaceous earth. Dang mealies!! Thanks for the info!

[@SucsForYou]

I hear mixed reviews about it but more positive lately so giving it another go!

[@gracefulonthetrail2244]

Now I’m paranoid. My eyesight isn’t as good as yours. I don’t know if I’d see them even with glasses. 😬 This summer has been brutal in Texas and most of mine have had shriveled lower leaves. Do the mealy bugs survive during winter?

[@SucsForYou]

My eyes aren't good either lol! I have a jewelers loupe now, but need to get a new microscope. A hand magnifying glass would be helpful too! Unfortunately, yes, mealies can survive in the winter.

[@sehrishfarhan5826]

Nice video 👍

[@nadinehanken3807]

Another Awesome video! I thought it was normal to have drying lowest leaves? My lowest leaves dry out but I don't have mellies.

[@anastasianaughton4372]

Nadine Hanken it is normal don’t worry

[@SucsForYou]

Yes, I mentioned the lower leaves will dry with age :)

[@erikaolson4922]

I hate mealybugs and ants 🐜 on my succulents. Not sure what to do about the ants. Thank you for this video.

[@SerineScenes]

I really like your channel. I find it really relaxing and just wanted to let you know. Hope you're having a good day and thank you!

[@SucsForYou]

Thanks William! That's super nice to hear :)

[@Ambershoyasllc]

Hi I wanted to know if I could please get your help here..? I have been searching the internet and can't seem to find any answers. I have been noticing very tiny brown bugs coming out of the soil of some of my succulents. Do you have any idea what this could be???

[@SucsForYou]

Sounds like springtails- harmless!

[@elisacaldera72]

Just a little FYI that this video freaked me out and made me go and check my succulent collection just to make sure they don’t have bugs out of paranoia. Lol. But I was wondering because I like the fuzzy panda plants mostly how would I deal with them if they were to have mealy bugs? Since wetting the fuzzy ones rots the leaves?

[@SucsForYou]

They should be okay as long as they aren't in direct sun. But if you're really worried, just dry them off afterwards by a fan or with your breath :)

[@elisacaldera72]

Thank you

[@SaPH1314]

The diotamacious earth won't damage the plants in any way?

[@85ilyeva]

Hello, just wondering how are your succulents that suffered from root mealybug now? Is the root mealybug gone by apply diatomaceous earth? What else you've done to get rid of them? I just found out lots of my plants have these bugs, So difficult.

[@SucsForYou]

They are difficult 🙄 It's a constant battle once you see them. DE doesn't work for me - I have to keep searching them out and killing them either with alcohol or manually :/

[@amybowser7616]

Thank you for your great videos. I'm very new to succulents but am quickly becoming obsessed. Yesterday I found mealybugs on my little barrel cactus. I removed them all by hand... sprayed it down with 50/50 alcohol and water and repotted the plant(possibly an overreaction but I panicked lol). I haven't seen anything today (knock on wood)...was this the right course of action? I also noticed a web on my large barrel cactus. I removed the web and sprayed with alcohol water mixture. However, I just found a new web so I'm not sure it helped. I'm worried about mites. Both are kept indoors. We had a carpenter ant problem earlier this year so I can only assume that is what caused the issues. Should I treat both with Neem oil? Is there a particular brand you use? Appreciate any advice you can offer.

[@vborja3877]

Hi Andre, can you please tell me how do you wash your old Terra cotta pots that have been sitting around for a while? Or can you tell me if you have a video on how to wash them?

[@SucsForYou]

I don't do much other than give them a good soak and scrubbing then hose them down full blast :) If you're asking if I sterilize them, I've never seen a reason to personally.

[@jenimbusy6765]

I flood water then use a rechargeable battery powered air blower. NO MORE DISGUSTING QTIPS! 😈 I also have Neem CAKE in my water and they hate that too ❤️. So, no fungus gnats either. 😍

[@kayleekruid812]

I've noticed a few mealy bugs in my plants lately, what's the best way to get rid of them and how do I treat the soil to prevent mealybugs?

[@SucsForYou]

I have a few videos on different methods to try :)

[@jadestar1580]

You don't use the alcohol spray anymore? Thank you for the video.

[@SucsForYou]

There were too many to treat without removing them from the pot but I do still use it for small problems :)

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

Damn mealy bugs!

[@woogiew00]

Luckily, I haven’t had mealy bugs yet but how to you keep the birds and squirrels away?! I’m in San Antonio!

[@mikegalacino9228]

Why would birds be interested in Sucs? I have many in raised berms to shed excess rain but have not seen any wildlife attracted to the plants yet.

[@SucsForYou]

Usually they're looking for water and not a snack - can you supply a place for them to drink (and maybe some seeds or peanuts just in case they are hungry)?

[@yoannabaumgartner9158]

Dumb squirrels love to take bites out of my soft succulents. I have multiple bird baths and bird feeders yet they still come. I put bird netting around some shelves and bought a big net cover to go over a table. Search on Nuvue pest guard cover and cloche. They don’t bother my Stapellias or anything with spines. I don’t think they are eating the plants, just sampling.

[@woogiew00]

@@SucsForYou Thanks for replying! We have a small flowing pond they can drink from and a bird feeder (where the squirrels steal the seed). All my prop leaves are on a shelf then covered with netting but don't like the look of it enough to cover my pretty succulents, lol. I've tried Irish Spring, cayenne pepper and some others with no help. The birds like to take little nibbles out of the leaves and then the dang squirrels will uproot entire plants. I also have the dirt covered with gravel/rock to keep them from digging.

[@woogiew00]

@@mikegalacino9228 Consider yourself lucky!

[@daisynickson6917]

Thanx for showing another video sorry it happen to ur babies 💘 u bestie 💜💜💓💓😍😃🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵💓💜💜🌸🌸🌸🌼🌼🌼🌼🍀🍀🍀🌵🌵🌵✌✌✌👍👍👍👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🌟🌟🌟🌟🙌🙌🙌🌵🌵🌵🌸🌸😱😱😱😱

[@SucsForYou]

Thanks lady! It happens but I know it's part of the game lol!

[@narwhalssucculents3882]

Is that cold water or warm water?

[@SucsForYou]

Room temp :)

[@SewEasyCreations]

OMgoodness, this has been the worst year of mealies I have ever seen. They are everywhere and some of my plants were just not salvageable, poor babies. I thought they had gone because I sprayed them with alcohol (I normally use Neem) and the next time I did an invasive exam, there were 10 times more of them. Another huge problem is worms! I hope your little guys make it without any further problems. I'm sure I may loose a few more plants but I'm going to WIN!

[@erins.5420]

I like to use a puffer for the DE. You can better co took the application too.

[@SucsForYou]

Good advice!

[@DogsRGr8]

Bonide or Merit.

[@vanna13v]

Ok, let me help you out. If 1plant has them allllll plants have them. Water is NOT going to cut it. Not even close.

[@ruthdennisKnits]

😳😡 mealy bug