Mealybug Infestation on Croton: Safe, Effective Treatment

Lynn's 15-year-old croton had tiny white "flies" and sticky white fuzz on leaf undersides and stem joints – a classic mealybug infestation.

Why Mealybugs Are Tough

Young mealybugs lack the cottony coating and hide in leaf-stem crevices. Missing even a few allows reinfestation.

Recommended Treatment

1. Brand X Foliage Cleaner (silicon-based, penetrates crevices) – available from Southwest Plantscape Products (1-800-333-7977).
2. DIY alcohol spray: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 5 parts water + squirt of liquid soap. Spray all surfaces to drip point.
3. Repeat in 5–7 days to catch newly hatched crawlers.
4. Weekly monitoring thereafter.

Precautions

• Never spray in direct sun or above 75°F.
• Test on a few leaves first; wait 2–3 days for reactions.
• Never use Raid – it's toxic and ineffective.

Thorough coverage and persistence are key to eradication.