Mealybug: Least-Toxic Control

Biological Control

q       Lacewing larvae (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)

available from

- Green Gardener

- Scarletts Plant Care

- Greenworm

- Chase Organics

- Defenders Ltd.

Least toxic chemical control

q       Spot treatment with soap or oil sprays

q       Dab visible insects with swab dipped in rubbing alcohol

q       Citron scents are effective at deterring some insect hence the recent rise in popularity of citronella - fragranced garden candles. You can grow plants with citrus-scented foliage, such as Geranium macrorrhizum, lemon balm and lemon verbena (has aromatic foliage but is not fully hardy so will have to be brought inside in the winter).

q       Other aromatic herbs have insect-repellant properties e.g. lavender, mints.