How2Day: Mealy Bugs on African Violets

African violets can become infested with any of several types of bugs. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Popular among gardeners, the African violet plant is susceptible to infestations of mites and insects, according to the Texas A&M University Extension. Generally the insects and mites that plague the African violet are so minute that infestation often goes undetected until damage is already done. Common pests of the African violet are categorized into three groups: sucking, nuisance and chewing. Mealy bugs are of the sucking variety and come in two types: the foliar and the soil mealy bug.

Several species of the foliar mealy bug, such as the Comstock and the citrus, assault the African violet, according to Texas A&M. Measuring only about 1/4 inch in length with soft bodies covered in a waxy white material, the foliar mealy bug secretes honeydew. Foliar mealy bugs infest most of the violet plant including the leaves, flowers, the leafstalk and the crown. A symptom of foliar mealy bug infestation is the presence of honeydew, a sticky substance on the plant.

As many as four species of the soil mealy bug infest the African violet, according to Texas A&M. The Pritchard, measuring about 1/4 inch long, is the most common soil mealy bug pest of the violet plant. The Pritchard is milk-white in color and secretes a powdery, waxy material that covers its body. Soil mealy bugs live in soil and destroy the root hairs of the African violet. Symptoms of soil mealy bug infestation include a wilted appearance to the plant, yellowing leaves, stunting and bloom reduction.

Read label directions and apply a ready-made houseplant insect control specifically developed for mealy bug control on the African violet. Use a spray, either a finger pump or aerosol, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Repeat applications as needed. Although tedious, rubbing alcohol on the tip of a cotton swab used to dab away the pests is effective. Misting with a mixture of 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 tsp. volck oil, a systemic insect killer, in a quart of water is also effective. Gently mist the African violet in the area infected with mealy bugs.

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