Mealybugs are among the most stubborn pests a plant owner can encounter. These fluffy, white invaders not only infest leaves and stems but sometimes hide in the soil, targeting your plant’s roots. If you’ve tried every trick in the book and they keep coming back, it might be time to investigate deeper—literally. Persistent mealybugs could mean root mealybugs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to completely eliminate mealybugs and give your plant a fresh start.

What are mealybugs?

Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests that feed on your plants’ nutrients, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventual plant decline. These pests can live on almost any plant, from lush aroids to hardy succulents. Female mealybugs lay up to 300 eggs in cotton-like webs that protect the eggs until they hatch.

1. Inspect your plant thoroughly

Start by examining your plant from top to bottom. Look at the leaves (both sides), stems, and especially the soil. Root mealybugs are particularly sneaky, hiding below the surface and feasting on the roots. Symptoms include:

• White cotton-like masses in the leaf axils, stems, or soil.
• Wilting or yellowing leaves, even with adequate watering.
• Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves or surfaces below the plant.
• Stunted growth or a general lack of vitality.
• Visible mealybugs crawling on stems or leaves.
• White colonies visible in the soil or around the root ball.

2. Remove as many bugs as possible by hand

Using your fingers or a soft brush, gently remove visible mealybugs. For root mealybugs, take the plant out of its pot and manually clean the roots. While doing this, avoid disturbing healthy roots to prevent transplant shock. For wooded stems, an old toothbrush can help dislodge stubborn infestations. Remove heavily infested leaves and flowers.

3. Wash the roots thoroughly

Rinse the roots under running water to dislodge any remaining bugs. If needed, soak the roots in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (follow manufacturer recommendations). This step not only kills pests but oxygenates the roots, promoting healthy recovery.

4. Sterilize your pots

Reusing an infested pot without cleaning it can lead to reinfestation. Clean your pots as follows:

• 🏺 Terracotta pots: Use a mixture of water and white vinegar to remove limescale, bacteria, and mold. The vinegar will sterilize the pot effectively.
• 🌿 Plastic pots: Wash with organic dish soap and scrub thoroughly. Rinse with hot water and let them dry completely before reuse.

5. Repot with fresh substrate

Repot your plant using a high-quality potting mix. This step ensures there are no lingering pests in the soil. If you had to remove a significant amount of soil during the cleaning process, choose a slightly larger pot. Otherwise, stick to the same size.

6. Water with care

After repotting, water your plant with lukewarm water. Make sure the temperature is warm but not scalding—if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for your plant!

7. Monitor for recurrence

Keep a close eye on your plant in the weeks following treatment. If you notice new signs of infestation, act immediately to prevent the bugs from spreading again.

Why do mealybugs keep coming back?

Contaminated soil: Always use fresh, sterilized potting soil when repotting.

Unclean pots: Mealybug eggs can survive in old pots or leftover soil if not properly cleaned.

Nearby infested plants: Isolate treated plants to avoid cross-contamination.

Final tips for prevention

• Inspect new plants thoroughly before bringing them home.
• Quarantine new plants for 1-2 weeks to ensure they’re pest-free.
• Keep your plants healthy; stressed plants are more susceptible to pests.

Persistent mealybugs may be a challenge, but with these steps, you can reclaim your plant’s health and vitality. 🌱

If your infestation persists despite your best efforts, professional help can make all the difference.

🌟 In Barcelona or Madrid? Our expert plant care professionals can inspect, treat, and restore your plants to full health. Contact us today for hassle-free plant care!