Alert Cochineal, the number one enemy of plants: this is what you should do immediately
Mealybug is one of the main enemies of plants, causing damage to leaves, buds and woody parts, in addition to compromising the health of the plant and its growth. These insects feed on plant sap, producing sugary substances that can attract other parasites and cause mold to form. Additionally, mealybugs produce protective cocoons that make them more difficult to control. Fortunately, there are a number of natural methods that can be used to get rid of the infestation.
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Mealybug: the number one enemy of plants
The cochineal is a parasitic insect that attacks plants and feeds on their sap. This insect can cause serious damage to plants, especially fruit and vegetable crops. There are different types of mealybugs, but they all have a shield-shaped body and have a siphon that they use to suck plant sap. Mealybugs can be recognized by the presence of small white, yellow or brown spots on the leaves, branches and fruits of infested plants. These spots are actually the insects themselves or their protective cocoons.
There are several techniques to control mealybug infestations. In some cases, using high-pressure water or a soap and water solution may be enough to remove the insects from plants. In other cases, the use of specific products such as natural or chemical insecticides may be necessary. It is important to note that prevention is the best way to avoid a mealybug infestation.
What to do if the mealybug has invaded our plants
There are several natural methods you can use to control mealybug infestation without harming your plants. Here are some examples:
- Neem oil. Neem oil is a vegetable oil that can be used as a natural insecticide. By spraying a solution of neem oil on infested plants, you can kill mealybugs without harming the plants.
- White vinegar. White vinegar is a natural product that can be used to get rid of mealybugs on plants. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and spray it on the infested plants. The acid in the vinegar kills the mealybugs and the cocoons.
- Isopropyl alcohol. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to control mealybug infestation. Dilute isopropyl alcohol in water and spray it on infested plants.
- Soap and water. You can use a soap and water solution to remove mealybugs from plants. Mix liquid dish soap and water and spray it on the infested plants. The soap will break the protective cocoon of the mealybugs and the water will rinse them away.
- Useful insects. By promoting the presence of beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and predatory moths, you can help control mealybug infestation.