JR
1359306591
Posted 1369103353
Reply with quote #1
Just noticed these little guys on my fig tree... anyone know what they are? I'm sure they're not beneficial to the fig, but would appreciate any info on them. Would also like some info on best method of eradication (and ensure that they don't come back)- I'm not too fond of pesticides but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do....
rcantor
1309799312
Posted 1369104492
Reply with quote #2
They're probably mealy bugs but they could be aphids. Safer's soap or neem oil will kill both, rubbing alcohol will kill mealy bugs. Spray now and in a few days. All of those are safe pesticides.
jtp
1271516015
Posted 1369104577
Reply with quote #3
I got them last year. I got ladybugs to handle them. Neem oil works, too.
jenniferarino83
1335709464
Posted 1369112410
Reply with quote #4
Bad bugs. It's Aphids. They suck the life water from new growth, generally new leaves. I use a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap and water.
Attached Images image.jpg (242.76 KB, 26 views)
musillid
1327758167
Posted 1369133577
Reply with quote #5
Mealy bugs or boisduval scale. They have a waxy coat. Any of the treatments listed above are effective. Repeat weekly for a few weeks, even after you don't see them anymore to break the life-cycle.
sammy
1330355079
Posted 1369134089
Reply with quote #6
Looks like mealybugs
bonsaigai
1361883604
Posted 1369136245
Reply with quote #7
Yes for mealy bugs. I would be hesitant to use Dawn or any other dish soap. Most of them are created to "cut grease" as the ads say. The grease cutting action can remove the waxy coating or cuticle from the surface of the plant. This can desiccate cells and cause burning of the leaves. It may not always happen, but most likely in hot weather. I'd opt for horticultural oil or horticultural soap. They are less likely to burn the plant.
bullet08
1284496248
Posted 1369138046
Reply with quote #8
few lady bugs and spiders are helping me out this year. it looks like lady bug took permanent resident on the big trees and moving between them as they wish.
musillid
1327758167
Posted 1369140946
Reply with quote #9
A caveat here on applying any oil product: do not do this in full sun. It radically increases the probability of burning the foliage.
Gina
1330452963
Posted 1369148499
Reply with quote #10
Another vote for mealy bugs. The immature stages can sometimes look like aphids. They are related - aphids, leaf hoppers, scale, mealy bugs - same order of plant sucking insects.
http://www.Ourfigs.com (and blueberries)
JR
1359306591
Posted 1369186331
Reply with quote #11
hoosierbanana
1287901146
Posted 1369187444
Reply with quote #12
Keep an eye out for the larvae and if you see aphids or mealy bugs someplace else give the ladies a little time to find them before you spray with anything. They will lay eggs that look like tiny orange jelly beans standing on end and the larvae are orange/black and spiky. They eat more pests than their parents and although neem might not hurt them they will starve with no pests around.
ohjustaguy
1294505489
Posted 1369188510
Reply with quote #13
Yeah, ladybugs will clean em out.... don't kill their larvae/pupua
http://www.kevinsedibleyard.com/
will
1269291114
Posted 1369190320
Reply with quote #14
Wow cool pics I never really knew what a juvenile lady bug looks like.
bonsaigai
1361883604
Posted 1369221988
Reply with quote #15
Ohjustaguy... those are GREAT shots. What an excellent display! It's terrific to see the whole cycle in one place, perfect tool.
Czechmate
1445281063
Posted 1466347492
Reply with quote #16
I know this is a really old thread, but WOW, ohjustaguy those are great photos!
