how do I control mealybugs on my ficus tree?
For almost six years, I have been treating the mealybugs on my ficus tree with the systemic insect control, Bonide. It contains 2 percent di-syston. I give it 3 to 4 tablespoons every four to six weeks which temporarily helps, and then the little white, sticky blobs appear, a few weeks later, at the base of the leaf, they turn yellow and fall off. I’ve had the tree for 25 years. It’s about 12 to 14 feet high in a 17 inch diameter, 15 inch high container. Several years ago, I replaced the soil. This past April, I took it outside and gave it an oil spray to control mealybugs. This only temporarily helped, but the leaves do look nice and shiny. What more can I do? I suggest spraying your ficus with a mixture of soap (soft soap not dish soap), alcohol and water. If you can, move the tree outside before you spray it. That way you can give it a good dousing without worrying about your furniture or carpet. Use one teaspoon of soap, 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and 16 ounces of water. Be sure
