Mealybugs on Succulents: Identification and Alcohol Treatment

White, cottony spots on a succulent's leaves and stems are mealybugs—soft-bodied insects covered in waxy filaments. High-pressure washing alone won't eradicate them; eggs and stragglers survive.

Effective Treatment

1. Isolate the plant immediately.
2. Manual removal: Dab each bug with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Check crevices, leaf axils, pot rim, saucer.
3. Spray treatment: 50/50 alcohol + water in spray bottle. Test one leaf first; wait 24 hrs. If no damage, spray entire plant (tops, undersides, stems, soil surface). Repeat every 3 days for 2–3 weeks.
4. Systemic option: For severe infestations, use a systemic insecticide (e.g., imidacloprid granules in soil).

Prevention & Monitoring

• Inspect new plants 2 weeks before introducing.
• Quarantine any plant with signs.
• Keep succulents on the dry side—mealybugs thrive on stressed, overwatered plants.
• Clean pots and tools with 10% bleach between uses.

Why Alcohol Works

It dissolves the protective wax coating, dehydrating the insect. It's cheap, non-toxic to humans/pets when dry, and doesn't harm most succulents if tested first.