How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Houseplants

Mealybugs are soft, white, cottony pests that cluster on stems and in leaf joints, and you can get rid of them by removing them by hand with rubbing alcohol, washing the plant, and repeating treatment for several weeks. Catching them early makes it much easier.

How do I recognize mealybugs?

Small white cottony tufts, especially where leaves meet stems, on leaf undersides, and sometimes on roots. You may also see sticky residue (honeydew) and yellowing or stunted growth.

Step 1: Isolate the plant

Keep it away from other plants immediately, since mealybugs spread from plant to plant.

Step 2: Remove visible bugs

Dab each mealybug with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, commonly 70%). Test on a small area of the leaf first, as some plants are sensitive.

Step 3: Wash and treat

Rinse the plant to remove bugs and honeydew. Then apply insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based product according to the label, covering stems and both sides of the leaves.

Step 4: Repeat regularly

Eggs are protected in cottony masses, so new bugs keep hatching. Repeat treatment every week or so for several weeks, and keep inspecting.

Step 5: Check the roots if it keeps returning

Some mealybugs live in the soil and on roots. If the problem persists, look at the roots when repotting and replace the soil.

How do I prevent mealybugs?

Inspect new plants before bringing them home, quarantine them for a couple of weeks, and check your plants regularly, including under leaves and where stems meet. Overfertilizing with lots of soft new growth can make plants more attractive to them.

Not sure what you are seeing?

White fuzzy spots can also be mold or mineral residue. A photo health check can help confirm what is going on.

Related reading: How to get rid of spider mites, How to get rid of fungus gnats