Chemical and organic control of mealybugs

The waxy coating on mealybugs makes it difficult to control them with insecticides. Spray thoroughly. It is often impossible to eradicate mealybugs completely.

Insecticides should be used only as a last resort. Before application, ensure plants are receiving the appropriate cultural care and take steps to protect natural predators. 

Organic sprays like natural pyrethrum, plant oils (neem, canola, etc), and insecticidal soap can be used to control mealybugs. These products have a short persistence so may need to be applied a number of times before the mealybug population is under control. Apply insecticidal soap before the sun rises or at dusk, spraying the plant thoroughly, especially at the undersides of the leaves. Do not spray in hot weather.  Plant oils and fatty acid products are less likely to affect larger, benefical insects like ladybirds and lacewings.

Contact (spray) insecticides, particularly synthetic pyrethroids such as lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin, are used to control mealybugs. Systemic insecticides containing Flupyradifurone are available for outdoor and glasshouse use. Acetamiprid, a systemic neonicotinoid insecticide, is also available for mealybug control. 

Follow instructions carefully when using insecticides. Plants in flower should not be sprayed due to the danger insecticides pose to bees and other pollinating insects. Insecticides can cause an outbreak of red spider mite since they often kill benefical insects that control mites.