Mealybugs on Cactus: Alcohol Spray Treatment

Identifying the White Fuzz

Those small white hairy balls are mealybugs—common on cacti and succulents.

Treatment

1. Spray with rubbing alcohol (full strength or diluted) to kill on contact.
2. Or use Q-tips dipped in alcohol to scrape them off.
3. Repeat twice weekly for 3–4 weeks to catch hatchlings.
4. Summer: move outdoors and hose off.

Persistence is key; they hide in crevices.