White bugs on Ivy? - Knowledgebase Question

Alabama

Question by Iveynoclue
September 3, 2017

I am a college student living in a dorm, and I have a potted ivy plant. When I was watering it earlier, I noted several tiny white bugs in the plant. Can anyone tell me what they are and how to get rid of them? I don't want them damaging my plant, and I certainly don't want them spreading in my dorm!

Name: Will Creed
NYC
Prof. plant consultant & educator

Answer from WillC
September 4, 2017

Mealybugs can be eradicated successfully with a solution of 5 parts water,1 part alcohol and a squirt of liquid soap. However, it works well only if you get complete coverage of the entire plant, soaking all leaf and stem surfaces. Swabbing and wiping will not penetrate into the tiny crevices where leaf stems attach to main stems. Any that remain will reproduce and come back later.

Name: greene
Savannah, GA (Sunset 28) (Zone 8b)
I have no use for internet bullies!

Answer from greene
September 3, 2017

They are mealy bugs.

Name: greene
Savannah, GA (Sunset 28) (Zone 8b)
I have no use for internet bullies!

Answer from greene
September 3, 2017

Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and dab on each insect to remove them. (The 91% alcohol works better than the 70% or the 50%). That should be sufficient for a light infestation. Good luck and study hard.

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