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Mealybugs enter the house through windows or ventilation ducts. During the heating period, there are a lot of them and they quickly move from one to the other. They begin to feed when the air humidity drops and the temperature in the environment rises. They hide on the undersides of leaves, in the bends of shoots and on stems. Their body resembles balls of wool. If you just bought an orchid, it’s better to keep it in foil for a few days and away from other plants to see if it has mealybugs.
mealybugs. What do they look like and how to recognize them?
Pests feed on the sap of the plant. If you notice them early enough, there is a good chance of saving the flower. Mealybugs attack most houseplants, not just orchids. Cacti and succulents are also at risk. The attacked plant becomes weaker and weaker, begins to shed its leaves and flowers. As a result, it stops growing and withers. they form white tangles and feed on the orchid together. They also secrete a thick goo. They can even feed in the ground, making them even harder to spot and eliminate. When you notice insects on a flower, you must act immediately, because mealybugs are very difficult to remove. Soak the flower for 30 minutes in a bowl of warm water. Mealybugs do not tolerate excess water and moisture.
Mealybug on orchids. How to get rid of it?
A simple way to get rid of mealybugs is a solution of water and gray soap. Add 20 g of gray soap and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to 1 liter of water. Mix, take a cotton pad and thoroughly wash the leaves and stems of the flower with the resulting mixture. Replace the swab with a new one after each stroke so as not to spread insects all over the plant. Use a cotton bud for hard-to-reach places. The treatment is best repeated 3-4 times a week. Then you can be sure that you will get rid of mealybugs for good. It is also worth rinsing the plant thoroughly in the shower.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
