Treating Mealybugs on a Large, Mature Ficus Tree

Confirmation

Small, white, round, cottony balls on leaf undersides are mealybugs.

Treatment for Large Plants

Systemic insecticides are smelly and ineffective. Instead:

• Mix 1 tbsp dish detergent + 1 cup rubbing alcohol in 1 quart water.
• Spray entire tree thoroughly (get help for top foliage).
• Spray weekly for a month to catch hatching eggs.

Alternative

Ivory Snow soap may work as a spray but not systemically. Persistence is key.