How to remove sticky residue on plants?

[Qldgarden]

 

 

This sticky white 'stuff' is on some plants but the worst is on  the hibiscus. Three hibiscus get full sun and two others are in shade in the afternoon, but still get the heat.  The worst affected is in the full sun.  I have tried spraying white oil, rose spray, neem spray and the mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide.  The more I spray the more this 'stuff' seems to multiply.  Also hosing it off, which is great, but it evenutally comes back

[JacobZ]

Hi @Qldgarden,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It looks like you have a mealybug infestation. Mealybugs can be persistent pests, but they are manageable with the right approach and some persistence of your own.

It's best to start by manually removing as many of the mealybugs as you can see and disposing of them. Use a bucket of soapy water and a washcloth to physically remove the scale and as many of the mealybugs as possible.

You can then apply Seasol EarthCare White Oil Insect Spray to the leaves of the affected plants ensuring you get good coverage. Make sure you don't apply this product when the temperature exceeds 32° celsius as it can cause leaf burn.

Manually remove any mealybugs that return and reapply white oil weekly as necessary.

With some persistence, you will get results.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Qldgarden]

Thanks JacobZ  I have that exact white oil spray.  Sounds like I have a big job ahead of me.  I will give that a try.

[EricL]

Hello @Qldgarden 

My best advice is to make sure to spray under the leaves and branches of the plant as well. This is to make sure you get full coverage and there is nowhere for the bugs to hide.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Qldgarden]

Thanks EricL.....I am already doing that.  Fighting a losing battle here.  I have also read where some people have used vinegar with some success, so I am going to try that as well.  With the temps being off the scale in Brisbane at the moment, I have to wait until late afternoon to do any spraying or dealing with this ghastly infestation.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Qldgarden,

The vinegar mix is certainly worth a shot.

Give it a try and let us know how you go.

Jacob

[Qldgarden]

I cut one hibiscus down to ground level yesterday.  I have done this before.  The mealybug infestation is far too advanced.  I will work on the new growth.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Qldgarden,

I'm sorry to hear it has come to this, but if the infestation is as awful as it seems, it may be the only way.

I'm sure your hibiscuses will bounce back in time.

Jacob