Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 22nd June 2023, 12:01 pm

Hi @alexander-robin

Thanks for your question. Upon further looking they look like mealy bug insects. The white little critters than nibble on the buds of the plant and then damage it’s growth and this photosynthesis. They are also a vector for disease. Usually found in greenhouses and warm indoors humid environments. 

How to get rid of mealy bugs

Mealybugs can be a nuisance for houseplants and garden plants, but there are several steps you can take to get rid of them. Here's a guide to help you deal with mealybugs:

1. Identify the mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, powdery wax. They tend to gather in clusters on leaves, stems, and plant crevices. Identifying them correctly will help you target your treatment effectively.

2. Isolate infested plants: If you notice mealybugs on a particular plant, isolate it from other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading.

3. Manual removal: For light infestations, you can remove mealybugs manually. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and gently dab it on each bug to kill them. Alternatively, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant.

4. Pruning: If the infestation is severe, consider pruning heavily infested parts of the plant. Dispose of the affected plant material in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the bugs from spreading.

5. Natural predators: Encourage beneficial insects that prey on mealybugs, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. You can attract these predators to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers or purchasing them from a garden supplier  

6. Homemade solutions: You can make a homemade insecticidal soap by mixing a few drops of mild liquid dish soap with water. Spray this solution on the affected plants, ensuring good coverage. Repeat every few days until the infestation is under control. This blocks the spiracles or breathing parts of the insects suffocating them  

7. Neem oil: Neem oil is an effective organic pesticide that can help control mealybugs. Dilute neem oil according to the instructions on the product and spray it on the infested plant, covering both the tops and undersides of leaves. Repeat the application every 7-14 days as needed.

8. Systemic insecticides: If other methods fail or the infestation is severe, you may consider using a systemic insecticide. These insecticides are absorbed by the plant, making it toxic to mealybugs when they feed on it. Follow the instructions on the product carefully and use caution, especially if you have edible plants. I always shy away from these as they can cause more harm than good!!

9. Monitor and prevent: After treating mealybugs, regularly monitor your plants for any signs of reinfestation. Inspect new plants before bringing them indoors or introducing them to your garden. Maintain good plant hygiene, provide proper watering and lighting conditions, and avoid over-fertilization, as stressed plants are more susceptible to infestations. Basically don’t leave plants wet humid and over fed!

Remember that persistence is key when dealing with mealybugs and you’ll need to be a vigilant ninja!. It may take a few rounds of treatment to completely eradicate them.

hope that helps!