Unfortunately, mealybugs like to nest on palm trees. They hide under a protective layer of white wax and feed on the lifeblood of the plant. As a result, the annoying pests can weaken the attractive plant so much that it even dies.
Lice like to infest palm trees
General
The harmful insects, which are also called mealybugs or root lice, occur worldwide and belong to the subfamily of scale insects. The one to twelve millimeter large insects secrete a white, waxy, woolly substance that envelops the animal like a small cotton ball and protects it from environmental influences and predators. They are able to reproduce unisexually and multiply explosively if they find optimal conditions. After the mealybug has attached itself to the host plant, it usually stays in one place under its protective layer.
The bad image
Mealybugs not only weaken the palm tree by drinking the plant sap. They also secrete toxins that have a negative effect on the vitality and growth of the plant. The excreted honeydew also promotes the infestation with sooty mold.
The leaves of the palm tree turn yellow, dry up and eventually fall off. Severe mealybug infestations inevitably lead to the death of the plant.
Successfully combat mealybugs
In the event of an infestation, it is important to act quickly. Follow these steps:
- Isolate the plant and place it in a very light, not too warm place.
- Do not scrape off the lice and white coating as is often recommended. This would spread the tiny eggs all over the palm.
- You can mix a good home remedy for mealybugs yourself from 15 milliliters of spirit, fifteen milliliters of paraffin oil and one liter of water.
- Alternatively, highly effective insecticides are available on the market.
- Spray multiple times, two to three days apart.
Treat palm trees in the conservatory with beneficial insects
In closed rooms, beneficial insects such as the larvae of the lacewing, the Australian ladybird or hatchlings declare war on mealybugs. You can get these animal helpers, which are applied directly to the plant, in specialist shops.
tips
To prevent lice infestation in the first place, you should ensure a good indoor climate. Ventilate regularly and spray the fronds of the palm tree daily with warm, lime-free water.