mealybugs on Ficus
Quick answer
If your Ficus has mealybugs, the most likely cause is: Persistent mealybug infestations hiding in the tight crevices and leaf sheaths of Ficus plants, escaping topical sprays.
Start here:
- 1. Apply systemic granules (Imidacloprid) to the soil to turn the plant's sap toxic to sap-sucking insects.
- 2. Since systemics take 1-2 weeks to reach the canopy of a large Ficus, immediately spot-treat visible mealybugs with a Q-tip dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol.
Why Ficus gets mealybugs
Ficus spp.
Persistent mealybug infestations hiding in the tight crevices and leaf sheaths of Ficus plants, escaping topical sprays.
How to reverse mealybugs on Ficus
- 1
Apply systemic granules (Imidacloprid) to the soil to turn the plant's sap toxic to sap-sucking insects.
- 2
Since systemics take 1-2 weeks to reach the canopy of a large Ficus, immediately spot-treat visible mealybugs with a Q-tip dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol.
- 3
Spray the foliage thoroughly with insecticidal soap to reduce the adult population.
- 4
Continue normal watering to distribute the systemic chemical; mealybugs will die as they feed over the next month.
Keep mealybugs off this Ficus
Inspect the undersides of leaves and the junctions where stems meet the trunk during every watering.