How to Get Rid of Mealybugs Fast Using Home Remedies

Mealybugs are tiny insects that can deal a lot of damage to houseplants if they aren’t dealt with quickly. Here are our top suggestions for getting rid of mealybugs without harming your houseplants and succulents.

1. Rub the Infested Leaves with Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol that has a concentration of 70% or less can be dabbed directly onto the mealybugs to kill them. The simplest way to do this is by using a cotton ball or swab. While unlikely, some plants may be sensitive to the rubbing alcohol so you may want to do a quick spot test to ensure there will be no resulting damage from using the rubbing alcohol.

2. Spray the Plant with Diluted Neem Oil

Neem oil can help eliminate mealybugs of all life stages and is most effective when it is applied directly to active mealybug infestations. We suggest mixing about 1 and 1/2 spoons of neem oil concentrate with one liter of water. Mix the solution together well then apply it directly on the mealybugs. Make sure to also cover the base of the plant and the underside of the leaves. Spray the plant once every week until the mealybug infestation disappears.

3. Dip the Houseplant in a Bucket of Water

This method could work for small to medium-sized houseplants. First, find a bucket that’s big enough for the infested houseplant to fit inside and fill it with clean water. Next, take out the houseplant gently to prevent any damages to the roots and flip it upside down so that you can submerge the above-ground sections of the plant. For larger-sized plants that won’t fit into a bucket, you may want to try knocking out the mealybugs by spraying them with a garden hose instead.

The above methods will also work well against other common pests that affect houseplants, such as aphids. The earlier you take action, the easier it will be to get rid of these tiny nuisance pests.