We hate mealybugs and mealybugs love Hibiscus a lot. This is one of the major problems for any hibiscus plant. My father told me not to grow a hibiscus in the garden. But I like this plant badly and bought it last year. In this article, I will tell you the most effective way to remove mealybugs from your hibiscus.
Current conditions of rain and warmth make these pests super happy.
Best solution: Spray rubbing alcohol on them. You can also try putting alcohol onto an earbud.
Tip: Make sure you check the main stem coming out of the ground by pulling the soil away. They love to hide there.
Last year I got rid of them by tearing out my whole garden today as far as I can tell, it's impossible to get rid of once it gets to a certain level. I had them last summer, none in my winter garden, and again this summer. Neem oil is supposed to be a preventative or deterrent used it every week without fail and still got them. I also got ant bait stations to get rid of the ants. If you get rid of the ants they can’t farm the mealy bugs. They literally carry them up to the plant so they can eat their nectar aka poop. I’ve given up on these bugs that took my garden. You can also cut off the infested parts of the plants to keep them from spreading.
Other methods to remove mealybugs from Hibiscus
High-pressure water from the hose will wipe them out. Then use a systemic or they keep coming back. Blast them off with the hose 😤
The only thing that's ever worked well for me with mealy bugs are systemic insecticides like Bayer 3in1. Use only on non-edibles. (You can apply on hibiscus plant)
Note: For quick removal, rub alcohol on a Q tip or paper towel. For the long term, I use systemic granules in soil.
Sprinkle systemic granules in the top portion of soil & water. Takes a bit to start working as it's absorbed through roots. I reapply every 3 months or as needed.
Also read: Hibiscus plant care in Florida.
