ficus bugs

[jusbeth]

I have an old and beautiful ficus, which I moved 15 feet. Same light exposure. Now there are little white dots at the leaf juncture--all over. I thought they were mealy bugs--or not? and sprayed heavily 3 times with alcohol over a period of 3 days. Used fingers and q-tips to remove, and they are still appearing. Was going to do soap next. What do I have and what do I do?

[Newt]

Hi Jusbeth, If it is mealy bugs, you will need to keep at it. Don't spray the tree, but do keep wiping off the adults with the alcohol and cotton. You can also use insecticidal soap. Your tree is stressed. Do make sure it's watered properly and doesn't need repotting. You say you moved it 15'. Is this a potted plant? Take a look here. http://www.upenn.edu/paflora/plantclinic/mealybugs.htm Newt