mealy bugs

[don]

I was away for a month...worried that my plants would get cold but the problem ended up being mealy bugs. About 5 of my plants are infected...some are infected way down into dense spines and i can't get to the bugs (echinocereus rayonesensis). Others, like the mam pettersonii in the picture have bugs in the crevices and near/on the "wool". What is the best way to battle this or should I just toss the plants?

How fast do these pests spread?

[hoteidoc]

Get out the 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alchohol + a "bit" of liquid detergent & start spraying - liberally. Repeat in 2 wks -- & a 3rd if necessary.

[don]

thank you...do I mix the Alcohol with water to dilute it?

I have some 91% alcohol; can I use that with water...and detergent?

[hoteidoc]

I have heard of people using that strength, i.e. as is, but as a biologist, I'd be worried that some cacti epidermis couldn't handle that. 70% sort of a standard for mealy problems.

[don]

thank you...I will go with the lower strength

[Eutow_Intermedium]

Mealy bugs are easy.

Place plant on pavement

Then have words with your local Fireman

[don]

Thank you....I'm sure that will work!

[CactusFanDan]

That's a Mammillaria btw, not an Echinocereus.

[don]

thank you...I know...as i said in the initial post, It's a M. petersonii...the Echinocereus is another one that is infected....the post might not have been clear....

[CactusFanDan]

So you did, I should probably read things properly instead of skimming through so quickly. The advice you've been given it sound, but if you want to get rid of them for good, you're better off using a systemic insecticide like Imidacloprid. Using a systemic for the first (few) waterings of the growing season should take care of the majority of the bugs, but they can be very persistent and hard to get rid of.

[don]

thank you...I've got about 250 plants and I'd hate for this situation to spread. I think I'll follow your advice.