Mealybugs on birds of paradise (Ways to fix birds of paradise)

I don’t know why I keep getting little mealybugs on my Birds of Paradise plants. I repotted them and watched them every day, but still, they came back. Without losing hope of recovering them, I decided to grow them again. This time, I followed all the preventative steps to keep the birds of paradise free of mealybugs.

Don’t worry if you are dealing with the same issue, because here I have explained all the precautions and solutions that will help you grow birds of paradise without mealybugs.

Quick takeaway:

• Yes, birds of Paradise attract mealybugs with their soft growth and high nitrogen level. 
• Here mealybugs are the pests which do feed on the plant by sucking their sap secreting, a sticky fluid called honeydew. 
• When you don’t treat the plant on time, they can damage and kill the plant. 
• The plant has sooty black mold which is always a clear indication that your plant is being attacked by mealybugs.

Mealybugs on birds of paradises:

Birds of Paradise plants are known for their exotic, large, colorful blossoms. But there are some serious problems that plants suffer such as mealybugs, root rot, or scale.

The mealybugs are scaly insects having soft bodies covered with white waxy powder that can spread from one plant to another plant.

If you want to get rid of them using isopropyl or rubbing alcohol is the easy method for which you need to dip swabs in the rubbing alcohol and wipe all the white powder off the bird of paradise. You can also try mixing the rubbing alcohol with the dish soap and then spray it on the plant to prevent infestation.

In case of a large-scale infestation, I will recommend you use insecticide for killing mealybugs on Bird of Paradise. Below are some signs and symptoms that will help you to know when there are mealybugs on birds of paradise.

Signs and symptoms of mealybugs on birds of paradise:

Here are some signs and symptoms that give clear signs that your birds of paradise are infested with mealybugs.

White fuzz:

• If birds of paradise have white patches underneath, leave the most obvious sign of mealybugs.
• Here white fuzz are mealybugs, egg sacs, or hatched mealybugs.
• You can also find sticky substances on the underside of the leaves, at the bottom of stems, or between crevices.

Stunted growth:

• The bird of paradise will start to have stunted growth because mealybugs used to suck out all the essential fluid from the plant.

Leaves will turn yellow:

• The Bird of Paradise leaves will start to turn yellow due, if there is a large-scale infestation.
• The mealybugs stimulate the growth of black sooty mold living behind ooze honeydew.

How to get rid of the mealybugs:

After noticing the sign and getting the surety that the plant is infested by mealybugs then it’s time to learn how to get rid of them. Firstly, you need to immediately isolate the affected plant, which will prevent the bugs from jumping onto a healthy plant. 

The plant treated with light to moderate levels of infestation can be held quicker while having infestation does require more effort. I will suggest you remove the heavily invested plant entirely and replace it with a new one, but if you have a light to moderate level of infestation use the below solution, which will help you to get rid of them.

The following are some ways by which you can get rid of mealybugs on Bird of Paradise.

Rubbing alcohol:

• you need to dip the cotton balls and swabs in alcohol so that you can remove all the visible mealybugs.
• Using these swabs clean out the inside gaps and the balls on the leaves.
• By rubbing alcohol, it will go through the waxy coating and destroy all the bugs.

Use neem oil:

Neem oil is a substance that is produced from the neem tree which acts as a repellent by affecting the normal feeding abilities of the mealybugs. Using neem oil will be insecticidal soap which has more benefits such as fungicide. The neem oil will suffocate pests that are attached to the plant because it will also kill other insects that are good for the birds of paradise plant such as ladybugs. 

The following are some steps that will remove the mealybugs on birds of paradise using neem oil:

1. First, you need to mic two to four tablespoons of neem oil using one gallon of water and put it in a spray bottle.
2. While applying the oil keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent the plant leaves from burning after which you can leave them for around 24 hours on one leaf to test the spray.
3.  When the testing is over, apply the oil to the whole party of the plant such as underneath the leaves.
4. After applying, move the plant to a shaded area to dry, and if the plant is an outdoor plant rooted in the ground then wait when there is no direct sun and below 85ºF.
5. You need to repeat the process after a week or two when you find the first application is not effective.

Dish soap and water:

Using dish soap and water is another way to get rid of mealybugs and here are the steps to eliminate mealybugs on birds of paradise:

1. For using dish soap to control mealybugs use soft water to dilute the soap and avoid dry dish soap. 
2. Drying the dish soap will get rid of chemicals that will harm the plant.
3. You need to mix 1 tablespoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water.
4. After mixing, shake the mixture well, after which you can spray on one leaf first before you spray on the entire Birds of Paradise plant.
5. Using soapy water will suffocate and kill all mealybugs.
6. You can repeat the process every few days when you think the first application wasn’t effective.

Horticultural oil:

Horticultural oil is a vegetable or petroleum-based insecticide that is used to suffocate the mealybug and help you in protecting the plant. Treating the plant is considered the best way to get rid of mealybugs without doing any harm to birds of paradise. Here are some steps for creating horticultural oil that will help in getting rid of mealybugs on birds of paradise.

1. While following the label’s instructions, pour the horticultural oil into the spray bottle.
2. Now you need to mist the plant thoroughly and spray under the leaves of all the infested plants.
3. You can reapply the horticultural oil after every 2-3 weeks for a month which will completely kill all mealybug eggs that hatch. 
4. Don’t apply horticultural oil if the temperature is hotter than 80ºF or cooler than 40ºF. 

Using ladybirds:

• Using the larvae of ladybird beetles for feeding the mealybugs and removing them.
• Using the tiny parasitic wasp, Leptomastix dactylic, with ladybirds for feeding on the mealybugs.

Using Isopropyl alcohol:

• For using isopropyl alcohol, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe down all mealybugs on the plant which will remove and kill them.
• Before applying the substance, test it first on one leaf before you apply it to the entire plant to ensure the alcohol doesn’t get burned. 
• Remember not to use isopropyl alcohol more than 70%.
• You need to cover the surface while treating the plant to avoid any damage to the plant.
• Make sure to wash the tools and hands thoroughly after applying isopropyl alcohol to treat mealybug infestation before you touch any other healthy plants. 

Common Bugs Affecting the Birds of Paradise:

Here are some common bugs affecting the birds of paradise and killing them:

Spider Mites:

Spider mites are tiny and can wreak havoc on birds of paradise. To find any signs look for telltale webbing and leaf stippling. Combating these pests with neem oil, insecticidal soap, and will keep the humidity up to par. 

Scale:

The scale insects are considered masters of disguise which appear as innocuous waxy bumps on leaves and stems. After spotting them, scrap or bring out the horticultural oil. 

Fungus Gnats / Fruit Flies:

The fungus gnats pest does love moist soil and finds these flies or larvae in the soil. You need to let the soil dry out which develops yellow sticky traps or you can use beneficial nematodes. 

Mealybugs:

Having mealybugs does look like rolling in flour, leaving white, cotton masses on birds of paradise. To get rid of them, wipe them off using rubbing alcohol or spray them down using insecticidal soap or neem oil which will kill them from the plant.  

Aphids:

Aphids look like the clingy friends of the bug and spraying water will send them packing. To get rid you can use insecticidal soap or releasing ladybugs will help keep them away.

Thrips:

The birds of paradise get attacked with thrips will form silvery speckling and twisted leaf growth. Using neem oil, and insecticidal soap will help you in getting rid of thrips on the plant. 

Potential Damage and Severity Assessment:

Understanding the potential damage:

• When the plant gets infested with spider mites, their tiny tales of destruction with webbing leave a telltale stippling on the leaves of the plant.
• Talking about scale insects which are like unwanted squatters, that set up waxy bumps on stems and leaf undersides.
• The fungus gnats prefer to live in soil, after which it turns into a nursery for their larvae but the mealybugs grow in white, cottony masses. 
• Aphids used to suck out the life of new growth leaves while thrips leave behind silvery speckles and twisted leaves. 

Severity Assessment:

Finding the leaves looking more like Swiss cheese than having lush foliage, the plant having stunted growth, and leaves discolored means it’s time to act fast because responding quickly will make a difference in helping the plant get back to its life again. 

Action Plan:

• As soon as you find the birds of paradise are affected by any pest you need to isolate the plant to prevent the spreading of pests to other healthy plants. 
• You need to assess the damage, if you find there are few nibbles you can make them bounce back but finding widespread colonization is a red flag.  
• In case finding an infestation is light you can manually remove or a strong water spray will be an easy method to get rid of them. 
• When the case is more severe you need to bring out the big guns such as insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or even systemic insecticides.

NOTE: 

The main goal is to restore the birds of paradise to get their glory back but don’t turn them into a chemical wasteland. So you need to select the right method for getting rid of mealybug on birds of paradise.

Integrated Pest Management:

Here is some integrated pest management that you follow to get rid of mealybugs on birds of paradise:

Cultural Control Methods:

There is a need to do regular inspections to check the control over the birds of paradise. You can find these broad leaves having signs of pests. The plant does need its own personal space to prevent any overcrowding. Make sure to water the plant wisely because over-watering will invite root rot conditions, and too little will make the plant dry due to which pests like spider mites grow fast.   

Biological Control Methods:

To protect the plant use natural predators which will be like unleashing superheroes. The ladybugs and lacewings are not just good-looking but they are aphid-eating machines. The nematodes are considered unseen warriors who act against soil-dwelling pests like fungus gnats. All this is not just about creating an ecosystem, not just making a plant collection. 

Chemical Control Methods:

Chemical control methods are the big guns and come with great responsibility. If nothing is going well you can use them at last. Using chemical control is a nuclear option that is effective but harmful to non-target species. So it’s easy when you spot treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil which will hit pests without spreading and resulting in collateral damage. 

Environmental Considerations:

Talking about chemicals is not just about today, but is a legacy for which we leave tomorrow. In case of running off from overzealous spraying will make your little garden into an ecological nightmare. To use chemicals you need to think about bees, the soil, and the waterways.  

Challenges of Pest Management for Bird of Paradise

Unique Challenges:

Yes, it’s easy to manage pests on birds of paradise. Some houseplants grow in giant plants that reach towering heights and pest inspection feel like you are gearing up for a safari rather than spotting pests in the garden. Using binoculars is the best tool for spotting pests. 

Overcoming Challenges:

Doing regular inspections is best for the healthy growth of plants. You need to get close and personal with the plant.

In case you’re not able to reach a hard spot, use a stepladder for keeping an eye on and maintaining details of the plant. Always remember pests are good at hiding themselves, so you need to check under leaves and in the nooks and crannies.

Pest Control Strategies:

Talking about the pest controlled strategies you need to always remain several steps ahead in which prevention is the first step. Make sure to give the plant a treatment that makes it a picture of Health, but a stressed bird of Paradise will be like a magnet for all the bugs in which proper watering, lightning, and fertilization play a defensive role.

Avoid the nuclear option of systemic insects because it is equal to carpet bombing the plant ecosystem. Rather than this, go to target the pests using insecticidal soap or neem oil. In case you are feeling still more lacking in preventing pests you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs, which will help to eat down aphids with precision.

Dealing with the High-Fliers:

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is pests that make their home in the lofty heights of the plant so you need to be creative. Providing the plant with high-velocity water sprays is best for ground leaf pests but not good for aerial adversaries for that you need to have big guns rather than using long-reach sprayers and systemic treatments. 

Environmental Considerations:

Make sure not to forget the environment because every spritz of pesticide has a ripple effect so you should choose an eco-friendly option that will not turn your home into a no-fly zone. Don’t make your birds of paradise an island of desolation in a sea of biodiversity. 

Hence be ready to fight pests and the bird of paradise needs your help. 

Prevention tips:

The birds of paradise are healthy and vigorous plants that are less prone to infestation but the mealybugs can infest healthy plants too and also attach new plants. The following are some main prevention tips that will help you in preventing mealybugs on birds of paradise. 

• Make sure to check the bird of paradise carefully before you buy or bring it to your home. 
• You need to wipe the leaves regularly by using a leaf shine solution which contains neem oil that helps remove mealybugs on birds of paradise.
• Make sure to check any tools, pots, stakes, or other equipment for any signs of mealybugs, nymphs, and eggs.
• Regularly spraying the plant with hard water pressure will prevent the mealybugs from taking hold of the re-establishment of feeding sites because mealybugs cannot last more than one day with feeding. So repeat spraying by maintaining the hard pressure of water for maximum positive results. 
• You need to keep the temperature below  60ºF which will discourage the growth of mealybugs in indoor plants. 
• Plant carefully, attractive lovers like Rosemary and Marigold, which are used to attract the mealybugs-eating insects, such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs.
• Avoid using insecticides, which will kill the beneficial predator insect.
• Don’t use the nitrogen-rich fertilizer as it encourages mealybug growth and stimulates the green growth of the plant.
• Remove all the infected plants and replace them with the plant having more immunity to the mealybug invasion.

Conclusion:

Now you know all mealybugs, how do they look and what are the steps by which you can cure mealybugs on birds of Paradise. make sure to follow the preventive tips that will help you to keep mealybugs away from birds of paradise.