Jump to content

  • WELCOME GUEST

    It looks as if you are viewing PalmTalk as an unregistered Guest.

    Please consider registering so as to take better advantage of our vast knowledge base and friendly community.  By registering you will gain access to many features - among them are our powerful Search feature, the ability to Private Message other Users, and be able to post and/or answer questions from all over the world. It is completely free, no “catches,” and you will have complete control over how you wish to use this site.

    PalmTalk is sponsored by the International Palm Society. - an organization dedicated to learning everything about and enjoying palm trees (and their companion plants) while conserving endangered palm species and habitat worldwide. Please take the time to know us all better and register.

    guest Renda04.jpg

Mealy Bug INVASION!!!

NApalm

By NApalm
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

 Share

Recommended Posts

NApalm Mentor

NApalm

Posted
Posted

Now i know Wodyetias are common place these days, but this afternoon i was doing a little cleaning up and pulled off the dead fronds and underneath the crownshaft were a plethora of Mealy bugs! Without a moment to waste i quickly googled a homemade remedy and drenched them in water mixed with dishwashing detergent. It was only then that i pondered the repercussions of my actions. Will I be the killer of my foxtails due to my hasty remedy? Do you knowledgeable people believe Mealy Bugs are just something you have to deal with when talking Wodyetias? Otherwise what to do? Systemic insecticide? A penny for your thoughts...

Here's a picture of the culprits at the scene of the crime

post-5990-077629800 1321517023_thumb.jpg

Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax) Veteran

Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)

Posted
Posted

You shouldn't have done any harm to the plant with the homemade remedy but you should have given the mealybugs a setback. I suspect the palm is in some kind of stress situation or the MB wouldn't be so bad. Systemic insecticides might be helpful (look up Neonicitinoids and see what's available in OZ). You might also try coffee grounds on the ground around the base of the tree. They work great on cycad scale. As a foliar spray, coffee with dishwashing soap will probably be even better than the soap alone.

Land O Lakes FL, a suburb on the North Side of Tampa, FL

Summers are great, 90f/32c in the day & 70f/21c at night with plentiful rain & sun

Winters are subtropical with occasional frosts and freezes. Tropical cyclones happen.

We have a few Royal palms in the warm microclimates but Coconuts freeze.

I am a Kayaker, Hiker, Bicyclist, and amateur Photographer that loves the outdoors.  

NApalm Mentor

NApalm

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Keith, a few good tips there. I've kind of come to the belief that if these hardy palms are mulched well and watered according to their needs they should be able to deal with pests themselves but this was a bit weird. I agree with you that they must be suffering some stress at the moment. I'm trying to build a little Eco-system at my place and interfere with the palms as little as possible but i think the coffee beans are necessary. Thanks again.

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

NApalm!

Mealy bugs are par for the course . . .

You did the right thing.

Mealybugs are meals for many predators.

Go ahead, give them a bath, but, really, the ladybugs and others will eat them, too.

The most important thing was you didn't use bug killer which would have killed the lady bugs et al.

The detergent won't hurt you plant in small amounts.

Detergent is a great as a "wetting agent" to get your soil moist if it's too dry.

Keep us apprized . . .

dave

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

NApalm Mentor

NApalm

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Dave,

You're spot on. I dont want to take out the 'good' guys with the pests that are out there. I noticed they have some ants acting as the muscle keeping them safe from predators and taking the nectar as payment. This may be the reason that there were so many. The lady beetles/mealy bug destroyers etc. were unable to get to them. I'm pretty sure i'll just have to deal with it and move on. The last thing you want to do is upset the balance and then have one bug everywhere and no predators to keep the numbers in check. Good advice as always from knowledgeable palm talk people.

Good day sir

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...