Mealybugs hide well and are difficult to control. Systematic elimination of the cotton-like pests.
Mealybugs are particularly persistent cannabis pests with high damage potential:
**Recognising mealybugs:**
- White, cotton-like webs
- Hiding in leaf axils
- Oval, pink bodies under the wool
- Move very slowly
- Favour warm, dry conditions
**Detect hiding places:**
- Check stem bases thoroughly
- Check the undersides of leaves
- Inspect branch forks
- Pot edge and drainage holes
- Systematic plant examination
**Immediate isolation:**
- Separate infested plants
- At least 2m distance
- Separate watering
- Use your own tools
- Change clothes after contact
**Mechanical removal:**
- Soak cotton wool with alcohol
- Dab off individual mealybugs
- Toothbrush for stubborn areas
- High pressure water jet
- Daily inspection and removal
**Alcohol treatment:**
- apply 70% isopropanol pure
- Spray directly on mealybugs
- Kill cotton wool carrier and insect
- Repeat every 2 days
- Test plant for tolerance
**Systemic control:**
- Water systemic insecticide
- Active ingredient is absorbed via sap
- Mealybugs die while sucking
- Only in vegetative phase
- 2-3 applications necessary
**Intensive neem treatment:**
- Concentrated neem oil solution (10ml/L)
- Spray all hidden areas
- Systemic effect via roots
- Weekly application
- Combined with alcohol spots
**Environment modification:**
- Increase humidity to 60%+
- Reduce temperature below 25°C
- Strong air movement
- Quarantine for at least 6 weeks
- Do not add new plants
Mealybugs require patient, systematic control over several months with regular checks.
Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that usually hide in the leaf axils and on the stems. Look for sticky residue or yellow leaves, which may indicate an infestation.
Natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps can help control mealybugs. Neem oil and soap solutions are also effective, environmentally friendly options for controlling them.
It is advisable to check your plants for mealybugs at least once a week, especially during the growing season, so you can detect and treat an infestation early on.
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