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Household Insects
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Mealybugs
by Dennis M. Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
A common problem of indoor plants, these bugs are usually noticed as
small cottony patches about 1/8 inch in length. These patches are
actually small, soft-bodied sucking insects. They frequently attach
themselves to branching points of plants or the undersides of
leaves.
Mealybugs like a variety of plants, but are particularly fond of
cacti and other succulent plants. These insects can build up large
populations in a short time, allowing them to do great damage. The
most obvious sign of beginning infestations is the cottony patch.
Very quickly after the initial sighting, the infested plant will
begin to look shriveled and dry. Quick action is necessary to combat
damage.
These insects are very sensitive to temperature and humidity
changes. Carefully and properly changing these conditions (either
lowering or raising temperature and/or humidity) can reduce the
number of insects. Direct control can be obtained by wiping the
cottony mealybugs with a swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Larger
infestations can be controlled by crypts, a natural predator which
is commercially available. Chemical controls can also be purchased.
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Spider Mites
by Dennis Ferraro Extension Educator Douglas/Sarpy Extension Unit
These pests are frequently found on indoor houseplants. They can be
hard to control and may cause extensive damage to plants. Mites
appear as tiny spots, less than 1/16 inch long. They may be tan to
brown or red to pink in color. Most types of mites leave webbing
between the small branches of plants.
These pests cause small prick marks in the fleshy parts of the
leaves. They suck the juice from the plants. As first, leaves simply
look stippled or dotted with small yellow dots. As infestation
proceeds, these areas become sunken and brown. Eventually the entire
leaf is brown and shriveled.
Prevention includes careful inspection of the plants every two weeks
for mites or webbing's. Also, examine and isolate all new plants.
Mites prefer high temperatures and low humidity. To control small
infestations, increase the humidity by misting plants daily. For
heavier infestations, control may be achieved by using insecticidal
soaps or pyrethroid or sulfur spray insecticides. In large groups of
plants, such as found in greenhouses, the release of predatory mites
can give some natural control. Insecticides will also kill the
predatory mites, so both methods cannot be used.
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