Root mealy bugs on lithops

[el48tel]

Don't underestimate the ability of mealie .... they get everywhere.
Soaking in meths .... a couple of minutes.
Undiluted is best but don't go past the couple of minutes.
Whilst you are out shopping buy a spray bottle for the backup treatment. Only needs to be the kind you'd need for cosmetics in hand luggage on vacation.
Be vigilant for the need for subsequent applications should your comments about the extent of the current infection be as you say.

[Jura]

So I lm going to town today and gonna pick this one on woodies. Is that the one I need? Also should it be diluted somehow before usage?

Has anyone tried diluted hydrogen peroxide before? Meant to kill existing root mealies too and aerate soil?

I think I killed about 90% of all the critters and now just keep an eye ,I have something that is called dursban, I mean could try and do monthly or biweekly watering with different chemicals and keep changing soil just before that watering? That should eradicate everything rather quick?

Thank you for all your help!

[Ernie]

I use meths to deal with Mealy bugs. Use a very small artists brush to spot treat them. I use vine weevil killer for root mealy bugs. I have a large and old Mestoklema that was infested with root mealy bugs and was not looking well. Using the recommended dose I soaked the compost in the pot left it a week then did it again. Checked it recently no more root mealy bugs and the plant is now looking well. Meths is good for spot treating, kills them instantly. I also use bug clear ultra to spray the plants from time to time.

[habanerocat]

I'd use it neat. I can't comment if all brands are the same. It should be about 90% ethanol per volume. The plan with washing and trimming any damaged roots is to eliminate any of the bugs and destroy their hiding places. The methylated spirits kills any remaining small bugs and their eggs.

I know nothing about hydrogen peroxide, never used it.

This procedure as posted above will work. Use good housekeeping obviously. Clean work area, clean tools, clean pots. They'll be no need for further treatment. Give the plant time to recover. Some might die. I'm not a fan of taking plants in and out out of their pots. I just keep a close eye on the underside of the pot. Once re-established I'd pop it out and have a look.

[Jura]

Neat it is! I'm also thinking of cutting down the roots down to the stump and just hope for the best really. I mean I hope i can get rid of that nest in 4 months, fingers crossed.

I've bleached the floor where I dismantled lithops, might do it again just in case because there are some cacti that I'm not fond of being infected........ in my head those critters run at 100 mile an hour...

[Tina]

I use a strong spray bottle ( old window cleaning one) for spraying meths, you can get a really good jet so you know you get into all the crevice's, not recommended for Uebellmannia that turn blue

[Herts Mike]

Meths is also good for preventing black spot on Stapeliads.

[Cidermanrolls]

So much for a phyto sanitary certificate, or don’t the inspectors care about root mealies?

[Cidermanrolls]

So much for a phyto sanitary certificate, or don’t the inspectors care about root mealies?

Oh, didn’t spot you are in the republic, my bad

[Smel]

Hi,
Yes I use meths for mealy bugs, apply it with a small paint brush, which allows you to get in between the spines and leaves. For roots de-pot get as much compost off that you can and put in half a glass/mug of the Meths for 10 minutes (Stiring now and again).... They also offten lay their eggs around the pot rim or on the base.

Regards

Mel.