If you see what looks like white fluffy cotton on a houseplant, it’s a sure sign that you have a mealybug infestation. Getting rid of mealybugs on indoor plants can be tough but it IS possible. I came up with a proven 5 step process that’s easy and works every single time!
In this detailed guide, I will show you exactly how to eliminate them using natural treatment methods and prevent them from ever coming back.
These common pests are clever little devils – they like to hide and then come back for the sneak attack. From a distance they don’t look like bugs, so you might not even notice them until your plant is covered. First, let’s talk about what they are.
Three Natural Ways To Remove Mealy Bugs
- Dab With Rubbing Alcohol (70% Isoprophyl Alcohol) – This method works best for a mild outbreak.
- Wash With Insecticidal Soap – This will kill a large number of the adults, nymphs, and eggs.
- Spray With Neem Oil – Spray the entire plant with a neem oil solution.
What Are Mealybugs?
Mealybugs are a type of scale insect that sucks the sap out of leaves and stems leaving a powdery wax substance behind. This can result in stunted or deformed growth, yellowing of the leaves, and leaf drop.
These little white bugs usually cluster on new growth, along the veins of leaves, and at the leaf joints, but you can find them anywhere on a plant.
Mealybug damage is not as quick or as devastating as spider mites on houseplants. But if you don’t do anything, they can eventually kill your plant. Although that usually takes a long time and a very large infestation.
What Do They Look Like?
Mealybugs are tiny white bugs that can sometimes appear brown or cream colored. Their bodies are usually waxy and look like they’re covered in powder.
The first thing most people notice is the white fuzzy egg masses, rather than the insects. So at a glance it’s easy to mistake them for fungus or mildew. Gross!
Mealybugs can’t fly. So if the white bugs you see start flying around when you disturb the plant, those are whiteflies, and here’s how to get rid of them.
Mealybugs Life Cycle
The full life cycle a mealybug is about 7-10 weeks. It takes a week or two for the eggs to hatch into nymphs, and then another 6-9 weeks for the nymphs to mature into adults.
There can be several generations at once, and their life cycles overlap. Meaning that once they get started, their population can grow very quickly.
Since the eggs and nymphs are so small, it takes a while for the population to get large enough to see them. So most people don’t notice them until after their plant is infested.
Related Post: How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Houseplants
Where Do Mealybugs Come From?
Like I said before, these darn things are very sneaky. One day everything is fine, and the next day your indoor plant is covered with sticky white cotton.
This can leave you wondering what causes mealybugs in the first place? As with any other pest, they can come from anywhere. Here are the most common causes…
- Bringing home a new plant that has them.
- Using contaminated potting soil.
- Putting houseplants outside during the summer.
- Bringing fresh flowers, fruits, or vegetables in from your garden, or even the grocery store.
- Ants sometimes bring them to a plant so they can feed off of the sweet honeydew residue that mealybugs excrete.
Read more about where houseplant bugs can come from.
How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs Naturally
When you first spot mealybugs on any of your indoor plants, you should begin treatment immediately to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Quarantine time! Move the affected plant(s) to prevent the infestation from spreading to others.
- Inspect it! Check your plant from several angles because these elusive creatures like to hide. Be sure to look under every leaf, around the leaf joints, in any folds, and at the base of the stem.
- Look underneath! Make sure to also check around the edges of the pot, as well as on the bottom, as sometimes you can find them hiding there.
1. Dab With Rubbing Alcohol (Isoprophyl Alcohol)
One way to treat the mealybugs on your houseplants is to touch them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing Isoprophyl alcohol. Aim for 70% alcohol to start.
The rubbing alcohol will kill the bugs immediately, but it must come in direct contact with them. So this method works well for a small outbreak, but it can be a bit tedious for a large infestation.
2. Wash With Insecticidal Soap
You can buy an organic insecticidal soap, or make your own. My recipe for homemade mealybug spray is 1 tsp of mild liquid soap per 1 liter of water.
If the plant is small enough, bring it to the sink or shower to wash the leaves, and then give it a good rinse. This will kill a large number of the adults, nymphs, and eggs, and help to give you the upper hand.
Insecticidal soaps don’t have any residual effect, so it’s important to continue to spray regularly until there are no more signs of bugs.
3. Spray With Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural product that is very effective for getting rid of mealybugs on houseplants, and it has a residual effect to keep them away too.
But you still have to be persistent with your treatments, because it can take several applications to completely eliminate an infestation.
It can also take a couple of days before it starts to kick in. So be patient, and continue to reapply it every few weeks until all of the bugs are gone.
Related Post: How To Use Neem Oil On Houseplants
My 5 Step Process For Long-Term Mealybug Control
Mealybugs are tough to get rid of, and they can be super frustrating (I know because I’ve been there many, many times myself).
I’ve had to fight this battle a lot. So over 15 years ago, I came up with my own repeatable and proven process for long-term control that works every time. Below is my simple 5-step process that you can follow to eliminate them FOR GOOD.
Supplies Needed:
- Insecticidal soap or mild liquid soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls or a rag
- Neem oil
- Cotton swabs
Step 1: Wash the plant and pot – Bring the infested plant to a sink or bathtub to thoroughly wash the leaves and stems, then rinse it off. You can use insecticidal soap for this, or make your own by mixing 1 tsp of mild liquid soap with 1 liter of water.
Be sure to also wash the bottom of the pot and the drip tray. Then inspect it from top to bottom and along the soil line to see if there are any hiding mealybugs.
Step 2: Disinfect and inspect the area – Next, wash the area where the infested plant was sitting with soapy water. Then soak a cotton ball or rag in rubbing alcohol and use it to disinfect every nook and cranny.
If there are other houseplants nearby, inspect them thoroughly for any signs of bugs (after washing your hands of course).
Step 3: Spray neem oil – Once the leaves are dry, spray the entire plant with neem oil and move it to a location far away from all of your other indoor plants.
Step 4: Check daily – Inspect the infested plant every day for any signs of mealybugs. If you find any, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill each one.
You should also keep a close eye on any plants that were sitting near the infested one to make sure they didn’t spread. Be sure to wash your hands after touching each plant.
Step 5: Repeat – If you’re still finding mealybugs every day for a week straight, spray the plant again with neem oil. Otherwise treat it every few weeks until you no longer find any mealybugs.
Once you’re sure your plant is bug-free, it’s safe to add it back to your collection.
How To Prevent Mealybugs From EVER Coming Back
Most of the time mealybugs don’t appear to move, but they can crawl around and infest other houseplants in the area. The worst part is that they can live in tiny spaces and crevices for a long time without a host plant.
So just when you think you have conquered the beast, they will come out of hiding and re-infest your indoor plants when you’re not looking.
But don’t worry, there are measures you can take to prevent mealybugs from ever coming back. Here are some tips.
- If one of your plants is plagued by recurring infestations, try removing the top inch of soil. Then wash the inside rim with soapy water or disinfect it with rubbing alcohol, and add fresh potting soil.
- Thoroughly clean the area and any nearby crevices or potential hiding spots. Be sure check under the outside lip edges and the bottoms of both the pot and the tray.
- Once you have the infestation under control, move your plant to a new location to get it away from any mealybugs that might be hiding in the spot where it was sitting before.
- I know it’s tempting, but never repot an infested plant. It’s already under a lot of stress from the bugs, and the added transplant shock could end up killing it.
It’s hard to get rid of all of the mealybugs the first few times you try. Even if you are able to kill all of the adults, the nymphs and eggs are tiny and easy to overlook. It can be frustrating, but it’s worth it to save your favorite houseplants.
Final Tips For Treating Mealybugs On Plants
My best advice to you is be persistent. You can’t just spray a plant once, and expect the mealybugs to disappear. It will take several treatments to get rid of all of them.
It can take a few weeks, or even months to kill the entire population. So be sure to inspect your houseplant daily and kill any new ones that you see right away.
Also, always use organic products and natural methods. I don’t recommend using synthetic pesticides, because mealybugs are resistant or can build up a resistance to these chemicals.
So skip the toxic stuff and use the safer techniques that I’ve listed below. Learn more about natural houseplant pest control methods and remedies here.
Keep in mind that some types of soaps and sprays, even organic ones, can damage sensitive plants. So always test the solution on a few leaves before spraying the entire thing.
Consider Grabbing My Houseplant Pest Control Ebook!
If you are tired of constantly battling bugs on your indoor plants, then my Houseplant Pest Control eBook is for you. It will help you identify the bugs that are infesting your plants, show you exactly how to get rid of them, AND arm you with the tools you need to keep those nasty pests away FOR GOOD! Download your copy today
More About Houseplant Pest Control
- How To Get Rid Of Houseplant Bugs Naturally
- How To Debug Plants Before Bringing Them Indoors
- How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats In Houseplant Soil
- How To Get Rid Of Thrips On Indoor Plants
- How To Get Rid Of Scale Insects On Houseplants
How do you get rid of mealybugs on houseplants? Share your treatment tips in the comments below.
Stephanie says
I have read on some other pages, to take the plant from its pot and shake as much dirt away as possible rinse the roots and repot to help rid of Mealy Bugs, is this so? I Have a massive Jade about 40 lbs and 60″ in diameter, I don’t want to lose this plant and will do anything to make it better but I am afraid this may be too much shock. Thoughts?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I do not recommend using that method to try to get rid of mealybugs. Infested plants are already under stress, and repotting them will indeed cause shock – which can send unhealthy plants into a downward spiral, and end up killing them. Plus, removing all of the soil would be a lot of work for you, and certainly won’t kill ALL of the bugs and their eggs. Instead, use the methods I have detailed in this article for the best results.
Sophie says
I have a massive mealy bug infestation that started from a new succulent and has spread to every succulent and plant I own. I’m overwhelmed. Succulents are hard because they die if you water their leaves (once you spray their leaves they’re ruined for life) and when I’ve tried treating with insecticide safer soap the bugs won’t even dislodge from their roots and hide in the succulents leaves which are tiny. What do I do?? Do I waste all of my money and throw away every plant I own? I don’t want too but It’s bad.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sorry to hear about your huge mealybug infestation. That’s very frustrating. However, while some plants can be damaged or even die if you spray them, many of them will be just fine. The best thing to do is spray a few leaves on each of your succulents, then wait a week or so to see if there is any damage. If there’s no damage, then it’s safe to spray the whole thing. I have only ever lost one plant to spraying, and I have a LOT of succulents. I highly recommend using neem oil in addition to your soapy spray. But remember, you can’t just spray the plant once or twice and expect to kill all of the mealybugs. You have to be persistent, and treat the plant regularly. It can take several months to completely eradicate a large population of mealybugs, they are a tough opponent. Don’t throw away all of your plants, you can get rid of them! It just takes time and patience.
Colleen says
My one plant had it and now I’m noticing it on a few others. It seems like the original plant, after I treated it, is just full on dying now no matter what I am doing to help it. It seems like there are no more mealy bugs but he’s just dying so quick I don’t know what to do.
Amy Andrychowicz says
What did you use to treat the mealybugs? Some types of plants are very sensitive to sprays, and they can cause more damage to the plant than the bugs.
Andrea says
For a mealy bug infestation on a big bowl of succulents, would you recommend soaking the whole plant /pot in a soap water bath for 15-20 min as you describe in your article on moving plants indoors from the outside?
The shape of the pot and the tightness of the plants to one another would make it difficult for me to rinse easily and get the bugs off in a tub or sink. Would soaking still kill the eggs and larvae and mealybug adults?
Amy Andrychowicz says
As long as the pot has drainage holes, you can soak it to kill the bulk of the mealybugs. They are difficult to get rid of with only one treatment, so I would recommend treating the plant with neem oil regularly until they are completely gone. Also, be sure to either put the plant in a different location, or thoroughly clean the spot it was in before putting it back. Mealybugs are excellent hiders, so they can reinfest the plant quickly if they are hiding somewhere nearby. Also make sure you scrub the pot as well as the drip tray (especially under the rim and on the bottom) because they like to hide in those places too.
Barb says
How often can I treat the plant with the soap and Neem oil? I have treated it twice now. I have cut back a lot of the plant in an effort to cut away the parts with the bugs but they are spreading like wildfire it seems. Can I cut back the plant entirely to just the new growth or is that too small and if they attack that I will lose the entire plant. I’m not sure what the plant is – a succulent of some sort. I brought it home from my last job in another city and it was doing really well, now it looks awful.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Use the neem oil and soap treatment every few weeks until you no longer see the bugs. It can take several months to eradicate a mealybug infestation that is as bad as what you’re describing. I recommend following the steps listed under the “My Proven Process For Long-Term Mealybug Control” section to help get rid of them faster.
Darlin D. Aviles says
I will surely follow these tips to the letter. Thank you for sharing!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Patricia a Reed says
I have a flowering plant that i noticed had white specks turned out to be new hachling mealybugs I took a tot and filled it up with water out in the yard added a little bit of down dish soap submerged the plant in soapy waterfor about 10 minutes pot and all in the tot gave it a bathsumerged the whole plant.rinsed the plant off .and sow he buges floating in the tot . no bugs on the plant so far will check in a few days
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, that is the method I use to debug my plants before bringing them back indoors in the fall. Works great! 🙂 One treatment may not get rid of all the mealybugs though. So, yes, definitely keep an eye on your plant very closely to make sure the little buggers don’t come back.
Samantha Haupert-Manalang says
I have these on a small tree in my yard and first hosed of the tree because it was just so gross! then coated it in neem oil. and like you mentioned they came back a few days later. Ive never had success with neem oil on house plants. Do I actually need to wipe off the leaves, and remove all the bugs/debris that i can see. I am hoping I can just spray with the soap/water mixture daily and kill them?
PS do you ever add alcohol to the spray since you mentioned it kills them too?
Thank you!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yuck, that sounds like a terrible mealybug infestation. The thing about using neem oil is that it takes some time to work. You can’t get rid of a mealybug infestation by only treating a plant once or twice (no matter which method you try), you have to be persistent. I never add alcohol to my spray because the soapy water works very well. The soap I use is very mild, and alcohol is a bit harsher, so it has a higher risk of damaging plants. I usually only use it for spot-treating the mealybugs, but you could certainly experiment with adding it to your spray. Just make sure to test it on a few leaves first, to make sure there’s no damage. Spraying your tree with your soapy water daily will keep them under control. But if you want to get rid of them all together, then I would add neem oil into the mix. For that large of an infestation, it’s going to take time to eliminate them, so be patient.
Connie Dobbins says
I have the white powdery looking stuff on the stems mostly, but there are white winged insects flying around the area. What are these?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Bummer, sorry to hear your plant has mealybugs! The white winged bugs flying around are most likely whiteflies.
Lynne E Rademacher says
I believe I have a serious problem with mealy bugs outside on basically all of my plants, including trees and shrubs, both flowering and non-flowering. I have noticed them for years but always forgot to investigate the problem. Do they live through the winter? How can I attack such a huge problem?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Ugh, that doesn’t sounds good. For a mealybug infestation outdoors, and of that size, your best bet is to recruit the help of beneficial bugs like ladybugs or lacewings to control them. Never use any type of chemical pesticide in your garden. Synthetic pesticides kill beneficial bugs that feed on pests like mealybugs. So they end up throwing off the whole natural balance in your garden, which can lead to a huge outbreak like this, because mealybugs and other pest insects can build up a resistance to these chemicals.
Patricia a Reed says
lady bugs i like that idea i normally have a few around the house .were are they when you need them
Teresa says
I’m Bird if Paradise has white stuff on it! I don’t see anything crawling ! I looked under magnifying glass, it looks white with a yellow head! I spray it with 7 and it keeps coming back, what kind of bug ? How to I keep it from returning? It doesn’t look like a mealy bug?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Mealybugs don’t crawl very often, and it’s rare to see them moving. But if you’re sure it’s not mealybugs, then it could be thrips or aphids (click the links to read about and see pictures of those). Also, don’t use a chemical pesticide, only organic treatments. Houseplant bugs can build up a resistance to chemicals, which means they won’t work, and they are also bad for humans and pets.
Barb says
I am looking at the soap but it says it has hemp oil – is that safe? That’s the baby brand that Amazon has.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If you’re talking about the Dr. Bronner’s baby mild, then yes. That is the exact stuff I use to make my DIY insecticidal soap to kill pests like mealybugs on my plants. Works great! But definitely test it on a few leaves first to make sure it doesn’t cause damage to your specific plant(s). Some plants are more sensitive to sprays than others.
Cathy says
I have found Ajax dishwashing liquid with vinegar and lime really useful. Dilute in water and spray all over, especially under leaves and on top of the soil.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks for your tip. However, be very careful using that mixture without testing it on a few leaves first. Harsh detergents and degreasers found in some types of dish soap can cause major damage to sensitive plants.
Zahra says
My bird of paradise has been infected by mealybugs for a few months now. I’ve used rubbing alcohol and Neem oil and continue to do so but the I keep seeing mealybugs coming back. I also cut off and threw away the leaves that were really badly contaminated. I’m so careful that I don’t even open my window anymore in case the plant gets further infestation. What else can I do to save my plant? Please help as it’s been really frustrating.
Amy Andrychowicz says
It can take several months to get rid of a mealybug infestation, so you may just need to give it more time. Stay persistent with your treatments, especially with the neem oil. Even if it looks like they are gone, I keep treating the plant and checking it daily for at least another month. And remember that mealybugs can hide in crevices around the plant. So clean the area regularly, as well as under the rim of the pot, on the bottom, and under the plant tray too. They are sneaky, and very frustrating to deal with. Be patient, and don’t give up! 🙂 Good luck!
tova says
I don’t have access to rubbing alcohol right now. Would rum, tequila or vodka work? Would hydrogen peroxide work? Without damaging the plant, of course. It’s a nice tall variegated dracaena.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have never tried any of those to kill mealybugs, but you certainly could experiment with it. Just make sure you test it on a few leaves to make sure it won’t damage them, before treating the whole plant. If you don’t want to risk it, you could certainly try some of these other remedies instead of using rubbing alcohol.
Denise Grant says
Can mealy bugs spread to all my other palms ? I have royals that are massive ?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, mealybugs can spread to any of your houseplants. It’s best to isolate the infested plant right away, and then monitor the others for mealybugs while to work to get rid of them. Good luck!
Chris Smith says
What about using a systemic insecticide such as Imidochlorprid seeing as mealybugs are sap suckers.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You could try using neem oil as a systemic insecticide. I have never tried it myself, but have read that it works as a systemic. However, I would not recommend using any type of synthetic chemical insecticide. Mealybugs can build up a resistance to chemicals, and they are dangerous for humans and pets too.
Vischal says
I use a mixture of garlic and neem oil. It works well to get rid of mealy bugs. I my case it seems to be the ants that are the culprits that move them around.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Great to know the neem solution worked to get rid of your mealybug problem. I’ve never tried garlic in mine, but the neem oil alone works great. Bummer about the ants bringing mealybugs to your plants, that is frustrating!