I was watering my Mexican Firebush and discovered that dreaded mealy bugs on a couple of its stems. I plucked them off, but because this bush gets so HUGE every summer, I refuse to stick my hand down inside for fear of snakes! I know if I saw these few bugs, more are lurking deep within the plant itself.
So, what is the best way to get rid of these pests? My husband was going to spray it with Malithion (SP?), but the problem there is we have some hummingbirds that are now coming to this bush because of it's blooms. I'm afraid if we spray, we'll either run them off, or kill the little birds.
I am about 50 miles west of Houston, and was wondering if someone could give me an idea on what to do. Last year, I got an infestation, and it spread throughout my yard, and ended up loosing some of my favorite plants.
Thank you for any help you can offer.
Hi Furbabies,
I'm sooo glad you wrote in. You are correct that Malathion will kill your hummers, the bees, the caterpillars, fish and more.
https://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/malathion/malathion.htm
https://www.chem-tox.com/malathion/research/
You can use insecticidal soap to fight mealy bugs. You will need to spray every 5 to 7 days and keep at it until you don't see anymore. You can make your own but don't use anti-bacterial soap or detergent. Then you will know what is in it.
https://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/outdoors/194
You can also purchase predatory insects. Since you've had a problem before that was extensive, that might be a good idea for you.
Mealybug destroyer
https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/mealybug_destroyer.html
Mealybug parasite
https://www.agricology.com/products/showprod.php?ProdID=130&PHPSESSID=e80cc9391a742172e6b1
You could also use Neem oil.
Newt
I'm sooo glad you wrote in. You are correct that Malathion will kill your hummers, the bees, the caterpillars, fish and more.
https://www.safe2use.com/poisons-pesticides/pesticides/malathion/malathion.htm
https://www.chem-tox.com/malathion/research/
You can use insecticidal soap to fight mealy bugs. You will need to spray every 5 to 7 days and keep at it until you don't see anymore. You can make your own but don't use anti-bacterial soap or detergent. Then you will know what is in it.
https://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/outdoors/194
You can also purchase predatory insects. Since you've had a problem before that was extensive, that might be a good idea for you.
Mealybug destroyer
https://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/mealybug_destroyer.html
Mealybug parasite
https://www.agricology.com/products/showprod.php?ProdID=130&PHPSESSID=e80cc9391a742172e6b1
You could also use Neem oil.
Newt