Eliminate mealybugs: Stopping persistent 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.