Root mealybugs are small rice sized white cotton-like insects that live in the soil of a plant. Instead of feeding on foliage sap like regular mealybugs, root mealybugs feed on root sap of the plant. It can be hard to initially spot an infestation, unless you are checking the roots. The main sign of a root mealybug infestation is an unknown decline in plant health. Declining plant health can happen for numerous reasons but it 's important to rule out root mealybugs. UK houseplants. (n.d.). Root mealybugs. Root Mealybugs. Retrieved February 20, 2022, from https://www.ukhouseplants.com/pests/root-mealybug. Root mealybugs are more dormant in the winter with the life cycle taking up to 4 months to get from egg to mature adult. In the summer, root mealybugs can mature from egg to adult in as little as a month. The white powdery areas in the above image show where the egg sacs are. Once the eggs hatch into nymph’s aka crawlers, the insects are ambulatory and spread easily. Do not use the same water between plants as nymphs can be transported via water. Due to the high mobility of these insects, it's recommended that you do not put any plants anywhere near an infested plant. Root mealybugs can be a vexing pest to deal with and can return after the infestation is gone. One method to dealing with root mealybugs is simply getting rid of the infested plants. Other methods include chopping the roots off completely and propagating, using systemic insecticides with the active ingredient imidacloprid, and soaking the roots in hot water. If you use the chop and prop method, I would recommend soaking the cuttings in alcohol spray solution for 10 minutes and using a soft-bristled old toothbrush to gently scrub down the stems/leaves. Do not reuse the same grow medium when repotting/propagating. Once potted up, add in systemic insecticide (granules or liquid). Note that using systemics is not a one-time application but will require periodic usage throughout the year. Alcohol spray: 1/2 cup isopropyl alcohol 70% 4 cups water The hot water bath method is effective if the temperature is 120F. To do this take the root ball of the plant and immerse it completely in the hot water for 10 minutes. This should be enough time to kill any living mealybugs on your plant. References: Hodgson, L. (2017, February 10). Root Mealybugs: Death From Below. Laidback Gardener. https://laidbackgardener.blog/2017/02/10/root-mealybugs-death-from-below/#:~:text=Root%20mealybugs%20are%20active%20all Bethke, J. (2013). Spring 2013: Hot Water Treatments to Control Pests. Ucnfanews.ucanr.edu; University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucnfanews.ucanr.edu/Articles/Regional_Report_San_Diego_and_Riverside_Counties/Spring_2013__Hot_Water_Treatments_to_Control_Pests/
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