How to combat cottony mealybugs

When we maintain our FIOS kokedamas, we take the opportunity to inspect them and check for pests.

One of the most frequent pests is the cottony mealybug. There are several types of mealybugs, but in this case, cottony mealybugs belong to the Coccidia family.

Typically, these insects settle inside leaves, near the veins or on the leaf petiole. They hide within a kind of ball that appears to be made of cotton.

This pest feeds on the plant's sap and weakens it with its sucking activity.

The leaves develop a sticky coating.

When you find a plant with this pest, you should isolate it, remove all the insects with cotton balls, swabs, or a clean cloth, and spray it evenly with an insecticide indicated for this type of pest.

You can use biological insecticides or treat without chemicals using soap and neem oil, for example.

Ideally, this pest should be identified as soon as possible to make it easier to eliminate and keep your plant/kokedama healthy.