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Mealy Bug?
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Posted by sixftblonde Honduras (My Page) on Sun, Aug 29, 04 at 20:59
Hi, I am new to this forum and sure do need some help. A little background first. I live on a small island that belongs to Houduras, the island is in the Carrebean and is called Roatan. We have built a new house on a piece of land that has never been under cultivation. Never have worked with tropicals much in my past so this is all very new to me. The up side being I found numerous wild orchids, hibiscus, mallows, palms vines ect. growning in the yard. But I am having problems with what I belive is mealy bugs, and they seem to love the hibicus, but have moved on to tomatoes, crotons and various others. The biggest problem in being where I am is no access to nurserys or such wonders as Home Depot, thus no access to chemicals to control such problems. I am wondering if anyone knows of a treatment to try. I have used WD40 and it does work but the hibiscus are not pleased with it, but then I wouldn't be either if some one tried spraying that all over me. I am wondering about companion planting for control, but have not been able to find out much about it. Am thinking maybe planting some garlic around the yard would help? Any sugestions would be most appreciated.
Also if any one has any information on growing in the tropics in a location such as mine with limited access to produces for gardening I would love to hear from them.
Thanks
Linda |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Mealy Bug?
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| Hi Linda, I live in a remote area in Northern Australia, and so might be able to offer a little advice for "home remedies" when you don't have access to a nursery superstore. I'm still new to tropicals, having only lived here for 12 months, so I'm still learning... I've found the "grey water" from the washing machine is quite effective at controlling mealy bugs on hibiscus, citrus, crotons and everything that the ants farm them on. I use a weekly spray of the grey water, and the soapy residue in the water washes them right off. I only have a small garden, so it's not too much of a chore, but I also do the neighbour's plants where they grow over the fence to slow the rate of reinfestation. I've also found it seems to slow the attack of frangipani rust and sooty mould, but to a lesser degree. It would be nice if this was a panacea, because it's much kinder to the plants than white oil, and its environmentally friendly. Hope this helps, Cheers, Scott Scott |
RE: Mealy Bug?
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Hi why not ask Google I just typed in "A natural spray for mealy bugs" and pages of info came came up, as Scott said soapy water,there is garlic sprays, Yarrow tea and lots more.
Hope this helps a little. MM. |
RE: Mealy Bug?
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| Lux soap flakes dissolved in warm water works well on scale and spider mite so it might be worth a try as well. Andrew. |
RE: Mealy Bug?
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| If you can only get American stuff,Lysol will do the trick,dishwashing or clothe washing agent.They use it on Alocasias and other indoor plants,Graeme. |
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