Mealybug on an orchid: how to get rid of pests and remedies

The mealybug is a small oval-shaped insect. Its size does not exceed 5 mm. On the areas of the flower infected with it, white fibers appear, resembling a cobweb. The pest lays eggs under them. If a mealybug appears on an orchid, you should figure out how to get rid of it as soon as possible.

Reasons for the appearance of a mealybug on an orchid

These insects often appear on houseplants. They are capable of causing serious harm to the orchid. The mealybug feeds on the juices of the culture and gnaws through its living fragments, which gradually provokes the destruction of the flower. Such a plant does not look very healthy.

Mealybug is a danger to orchids

The parasites usually attack weakened plants. This is due to attacks from other pests, improper care, or nutritional deficiencies.

Most often, the appearance of mealybugs on an orchid occurs in winter. During this period, the culture receives much less light, which provokes a violation of metabolic processes. In addition, the causes of problems include the following:

• low humidity parameters in the room;
• violation of the temperature regime;
• excessive amount of nitrogen in the soil;
• waterlogging of the soil;
• violation of the rules of care, in particular, untimely removal of dead leaves and buds.

Also, mealybugs can get into the house with a newly purchased plant. To identify a pest, you should pay attention to the following signs:

• the appearance of a white web on foliage, buds and stems;
• sticky drops on the plant;
• changing the shape of flowers and other fragments;
• the appearance of rot or fungi on the plant.

Parasites appear on weakened plants

Types of mealybugs

There are several types of parasites, each of which has certain characteristics:

• bristly. This species is pink or orange in color. The parasites are covered with a waxy coating and secrete a lot of honeydew. The development of sooty fungi occurs on it;
• citrus. These insects are yellow or brown in color. They are also covered with a waxy coating. Flying males live for 2-4 days. Moreover, the female is able to lay eggs on the 15th day of life.

Methods of dealing with the worm at home

It can be quite difficult to deal with these insects. To get rid of pests, you need to be patient. The parasites are covered with waxy scales that provide reliable protection from toxic insecticides and drying out.

One female is capable of producing larvae or laying eggs 3 times during the season. In the warm season, at temperatures above 25 ° C, 3-4 generations of pests can hatch from eggs and larvae.

Mealybugs can be removed in different ways - mechanical or chemical. It is also permissible to use folk recipes.

If the orchid is covered with a small amount of white bloom, it is worth cleaning the flower. Eggs and adults should be removed with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol tincture of calendula.It's also important to rinse off any sticky secretions.

You can also use a simple cleaning method. To do this, take 500 ml of boiled water and mix with 1 tbsp. spoon of dish detergent. It must be poured into a bottle, a hole made in the lid, and the culture must be processed 3-4 times a day.

The plant must be sprayed with a special solution.

Folk remedies for mealybug

You can also get rid of parasites with folk remedies. At home, you should use the following recipes:

• tincture of horsetail. It is used for watering and spraying bushes. The product can be purchased at any pharmacy. Before use, the substance is mixed in equal proportions with settled water;
• soap solution. To prepare it, you need to take 15 ml of ethyl alcohol and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of liquid soap. The composition helps to cope with the problem in a matter of days;
• a mixture of water and olive oil. The tool is used to combat mealybugs and other parasites. For 1 liter of water, it is recommended to take 3 tbsp. tablespoons of oil. The resulting liquid should be sprayed over the entire bush;
• infusion of garlic. To prepare it, 1 liter of boiling water should be mixed with a head of chopped garlic. It is necessary to boil the product for 1 minute, then remove from the stove and leave for 4-5 hours. Then strain the liquid through cheesecloth and process the foliage and stem of the orchid with it;
• tincture of calendula. This affordable remedy helps rid the plant of parasites. To do this, you need to wipe the affected fragments with a swab moistened with a solution. The procedure is best done in the evening, so that direct sunlight does not fall on the orchid.

To cure an orchid, you need to frequently spray the culture with water. To do this, make a small hole in the lid of a plastic bottle and pour water into it with a small amount of detergent.

You can try to process the plant with folk remedies.

Chemical means for the destruction of the worm

To make the treatment faster, you can use chemistry. In this case, insecticidal agents should be used, strictly following the instructions.

Powerful contact insecticides should be applied to the affected fragments 1 time, after which the plant must be removed from direct sunlight. When pests touch the treated areas, the drug enters their body tissues, which leads to the death of the parasites.

Experts advise using the following substances to combat parasites:

• vertimek and fitoverm. They are natural non-toxic means of intestinal action;
• aktara. The drug is a highly effective toxic agent. To make a medicinal solution, you need to take 1.5-2 g of powder per 2.5 liters of boiled water;
• calypso. It is an effective toxic insecticide. To make a medicinal solution, you need to take 0.5 ml of the product per 1 liter of boiled water;
• actellic. It is an effective contact insecticide. It helps to cope with severe orchid infestations. To do this, you need to take 1 ampoule of the substance for 2-2.5 liters of boiled water and process the plant twice. Wait 1 week between spraying.

Insecticides will help destroy parasites

When working with chemicals, a number of recommendations should be followed:

• insecticides are not just a threat to parasites. Before getting rid of mealybugs, the orchid should be taken outside. It is recommended to process the culture exclusively in the fresh air;
• if the insecticide is sold in powder form, it is necessary to prepare the solution with rubber gloves. Also, the packaging may contain information regarding the need to use plastic goggles or a respirator. Such devices must be prepared in advance;
• the treated plant should be covered with a transparent film to form a kind of cap. It can be removed in 1-2 days;
• after using the chemical, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. It is also recommended to take a shower.

If the mealybug not only led to damage to the foliage, flowers and stems, but also destroyed the growing point, the root system, it is worth treating the plant itself, the roots and the inside of the pot. It is also necessary to change the soil.

The appearance of mealybugs on an orchid is considered an alarming symptom. To cure the plant and avoid negative consequences in the form of the development of fungal and bacterial diseases, you need to take timely measures. To combat parasites, chemical and folk remedies are used.