Natural Repellent for Mealybugs

Good Old-Fashioned H2O

• Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that are easily washed away with water. In areas that experience heavy rainfall, mealybugs are less of a problem, because regular rain keeps populations in check. Use your garden hose and sprayer attachment to spray mealybugs off your plants for light infestations. When populations are few, a strong stream of water is effective for dislodging these bugs from your plants and knocking them to the ground. Once on the ground, mealybugs are more likely to become a snack for hungry predators.

Rubbing Alcohol

• For an infestation that is starting to become problematic, dip a cotton swab in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, and go to work removing mealybugs. The alcohol not only removes the bugs present, but also keeps bugs from coming back for one to two days, after which you should rinse your plants with water and apply alcohol again if mealybugs are still present. If this seems too labor intensive, mix a 50-percent solution of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and mist your plants. Reapplication may be necessary, because rubbing alcohol is not as effective in destroying mealybug eggs. Never use methanol or ethanol alcohol, because these cause damage to plant tissue.

Neem Oil

• Neem oil is a safe and natural alternative to chemical pesticides. It is also effective for repelling and controlling young mealybug populations. Fill a 1.5-liter spray bottle with water, add 1 teaspoon of neem oil along with 2 to 3 drops of mild dish soap and spray your affected plants. Do not use ammonia-based or harsh dish detergents to avoid further plant damage. Additionally, do not spray on hot sunny days, since the combination of heat, direct sunlight and neem oil has the potential to burn plant leaves. Mature mealybug populations may be harder to control with neem oil, because they develop a wax-like substance on their bodies that works as a defense mechanism. To increase the effectiveness of neem oil, consider using it in rotation with rubbing alcohol.

Predator Species

• Gardening supply companies sell predatory species for release in your garden and landscape to control pest insect populations. In the case of mealy bugs, Crytolaemus montrouzieri, commonly known as Crypts, are predatory beetles that can be implemented for the control of severe infestations. Crypts are effective for three weeks and you may need additional releases for lasting results. They are effective and dine on mealybugs in temperatures of 64 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Other predatory insects that control mealybugs include lady beetles, wasps and lacewings.