What is this on Pachypodium?

[cpp gardener]

Yes, you have mealybugs. They don't move much once they start feeding.

 

[Jonny Klobber]

Ack! Well, that sucks. OK... So is neem oil the way to go then? Or maybe I should try the biological approach with some sort of predatory bugs? Maybe ladybug larvae or lacewing larvae?

For now, I went ahead and sprayed the crown of the plant with a solution of water, rubbing alcohol and liquid dish soap. Hopefully that will start the process of getting rid of these things.

 

[Jonny Klobber]

Anybody here use this stuff? I like the theory behind it - seems like it could be very effective without having to spray stuff and worry about getting every inch of the plant, etc. Maybe spot treat what I see with the rubbing alcohol/water/dish soap spray, then apply this stuff and observe over the next few weeks?

 

[cpp gardener]

Excellent plan. Imidacloprid woks a little slow, but lasts quite a while. Check any other plants you have for mealybugs and treat them, too. Once you get them under control you only need to check new plants real carefully or treat them preventively.