Controlling Mealybugs and Caterpillars on Lemon Tree

B. Bhowmik's lemon tree suffers recurring mealybugs (white insects with sticky honeydew attracting ants) and green caterpillars (likely moth larvae) destroying young leaves and preventing fruit set.

Integrated Approach

• Spray thoroughly with neem oil (organic, controls insects, mites, fungi) weekly for 3 weeks, covering all surfaces.
• Spray when no flowers are present or on cloudy days to avoid harming pollinators.
• Fertilize with composted manure (or any available organic fertilizer) to boost vigor.
• Monitor annually at the usual infestation time and start neem sprays preventively.

Mealybugs may attract the moths; controlling them often reduces secondary pests.