beaucarnea

[mandimoo]

mine has a terrible mealy bug infestation. i cant afford the 40 quid to treat it with natural predators. i have heard that you can cut all the leaves right back to the trunk and the regrowth will be free from infestation. does anyone have any experience of this, or have any tips for me?

[hammerman]

Plenty of systemic sprays available in garden centres. If you cut the leaves back, the mealy bug will be back as soon as it grows.

[terambulan]

Good way to ward off bugs is to burn joss stick or the round camping ones. Insects avoid smoke!

If its a tree you paint cuprinol in a line around the trunk....crawlies dont like that!

If they're in the soil soak with w-liquid suds.....they'll leave spluttering!

[nonomaybe]

We used to use methylated spirits to eradicate mealy bug( to break down the wax coating) but if you have a severe infestation it could be a tortuous process. Another method is to wash it thoroughly (giving particular attention to the underside) with a strong jet of water until all signs have gone then put it in a well-ventilated position to help stop the pests from returning it from returning.