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Introduction
If your beloved houseplants or garden greenery have started showing signs of fuzzy white pests clinging to their stems or leaves, you're likely dealing with mealybugs. These tiny insects can wreak havoc on indoor and outdoor plants alike, sucking sap and leaving behind a sticky residue that invites mold. But don’t worry—before you reach for harsh chemicals, there’s a simple, natural remedy you can whip up at home that works like magic. This article walks you through an easy DIY solution to eliminate mealybugs for good.
Ingredients:
1 cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap (biodegradable, unscented is best)
1 tablespoon of neem oil (natural insecticide and fungicide)
2 cups of water
Spray bottle (clean and empty)
Directions:
Mix the solution
In a bowl or jug, combine the isopropyl alcohol, neem oil, and dish soap. Stir gently to blend.
Add water
Pour in the 2 cups of water and mix well. This dilutes the alcohol and helps evenly distribute the neem oil.
Transfer to a spray bottle
Carefully pour the mixture into your spray bottle using a funnel if needed. Give it a good shake before each use.
Spot-test first
Before spraying your whole plant, test a small area and wait 24 hours to ensure there’s no damage.
Spray affected plants
Once safe, spray the entire plant, focusing on the undersides of leaves and stem joints—mealybugs love to hide there.
Repeat as needed
Reapply every 3–5 days until the infestation is gone. Be sure to isolate affected plants to prevent spreading.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Storage: Store the solution in a cool, dark place. Shake well before each use, as oils and alcohol may separate.
Shelf Life: Best used within 2 weeks. After that, mix a fresh batch to maintain effectiveness.
Plant-friendly tip: Avoid spraying during peak sunlight hours, as alcohol can cause leaf burn when combined with strong light.
Variations:
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