Woolly Aphids

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Michael Hewett, Nov 13, 2016.

  1. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    I have a Clivia and Rhipsalis both of which are rather badly infested with Woolly Aphids and I can’t get rid of them.

    On the Clivia they are right down in the crevasses between the leaves, and on the Rhipsalis they are right inside the many small branches … and a small brush or thin stick soaked in Meths will not reach there.

    I have been thinking of spraying both plants with Meths from a mister/sprayer, until they are wet, so that it will run down into the tight spaces and hopefully kill the bugs.
    Please does anyone know if this will harm the plants e.g. if it runs on to the compost etc.
    Thank you.
    .
     
  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    I have used Meths on Woolly Aphid attacks on my Cacti and Succulents where they've been hard to reach. But I have found if you have a little patience and time an artists brush dipped in Meths will work if you allow the Meths to trickle into those hard to reach crevices. I'm not sure I would use the spray method.:dunno::coffee:
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I've sprayed a mixture of water and meths, that doesn't seem to harm the leaves of tough plants.

      Mainly on mealybug though, not wooly aphids.

      I also tend to use the brush method.

      I had a few Aeoniums with mealy bug late summer, I took them outside and used one of those trigger spray insecticides and fired it directly at them.
      Think it might have worked.
       
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      • ARMANDII

        ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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        [​IMG]
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          They dont like it up em.
           
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          • ARMANDII

            ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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            You'd think that essence of Moth would kill Woolly Aphids:heehee:
             
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            • Michael Hewett

              Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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              Thanks for all your advice @ARMANDII and @pete .
              I actually thought mealy bugs and woolly aphids were the same thing, but I've looked them up now, and found they are different things.
              The ones on my plants are mealy bugs.
               
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              • Sheal

                Sheal Total Gardener

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                Spraying with washing up liquid diluted in water works too Michael, but they may need two or three attempts as others appear for a while after.
                 
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                • ARMANDII

                  ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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                  upload_2016-11-14_0-0-21.jpeg


                  Pass the soap would you!!
                   
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                  • Michael Hewett

                    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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                    Thank you @Sheal I've never heard of that treatment for mealy bugs before (only for greenfly) but I'll certainly try it :smile:
                     
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                    • pete

                      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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                      Had an idea it was probably mealybug, they are the main pest of succulents and cacti that I find.
                      Cold winter temps help, so a cold spell in the greenhouse, above freezing of course, helps through the winter months.
                       
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                      • stumorphmac

                        stumorphmac cymbidist

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                        I found using 2 differnt types of systemic insecticides sprayed altenatly ay 10 day intervals has cleared them up havent seen any for over a year now .(bet theres some when I look tonight)
                         
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                        • Michael Hewett

                          Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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                          Thank you. I may try it :)
                          I hope you can get rid of them again.
                           
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