Identifying and Treating Mealybugs on Houseplants

Sticky White Residue? It’s Mealybugs

Sticky leaves (honeydew) with waxy white cottony masses indicate mealybugs. These sap‑sucking insects cluster on stems, leaf undersides, and leaf axils. Their undigested sugar secretions create the stickiness and can lead to sooty mold.

Control Methods

Physical Removal

Take small plants to a sink or outdoors. Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or a dish‑detergent solution (1 tsp per quart water). Blast leaves top and bottom; wipe or pick off every visible cottony mass. Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Chemical Treatment

Use a houseplant pesticide labeled for mealybugs. Bring a sealed sample leaf to the garden center for confirmation. Follow label directions; repeat every 7‑10 days to catch newly hatched nymphs. Heavily infested stems can be pruned off.

Persistence Pays

Mealybugs are beatable. Don’t give up—consistent treatment wins.