A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Mealybugs only tend to be serious pests in the presence of ants because the ants protect them from predators and parasites, this fact was unknown to me I had previously spotted ants in presence of mealy bugs, this explains why. Even in the first pic the bugs are with ants. They are considered pests as they feed on plant juices of greenhouse plants, house plants and subtropical trees and also acts as a vector for several plant diseases. Mealybug females feed on plant sap, normally in roots or other crevices. They attach themselves to the plant and secrete a powdery wax layer (therefore the name mealybug) used for protection while they suck the plant juices. The males on the other hand, are short-lived as they do not feed at all as adults and only live to fertilize the females. SOURCE: Wikipedia
Oh, the bug season is upon us... Virtually impossible to control without strong poisons. Anyone got any ideas?
Spotted on Feb 22, 2012
Submitted on Feb 22, 2012
4 Comments
Aphids? There's a type of aphid that LOVES certain plants in my garden. We spray them with a mixture of water, liquid soap, and several drops of fennel oil. The next day we spray the plant off with just water.
Hmm... ok... well the only other thing I know to use then is to spray them with a mixture of pine soap and water.
But maybe India's got some other predator bugs. I hope someone are able to help you. Good luck :)
@Galantliv No, that's one of the problems... I have never seen a ladybug here.
If it's what I think, you should be able to manage with an little army of ladybugs.
Make good places for them to live and breed in the garden.
Are there ladybugs in India by the way??