Once you see that tale-tell sign of fuzzy clumps of mealy bugs on your plants, grab your baking soda and some water. Make a paste by adding just enough water to your baking soda so that it has a glue-like texture. It won’t be very effective at killing the infestation if it’s too watery, but if it’s too dry it will just fall off into the soil. This could actually be beneficial, as some plants like baking soda, but it won’t solve your mealybug problem. Think of this process as an artist with thick paint, except the paint is baking soda slurry and your canvas is your affected plant.
You can apply the baking soda mixture with your hands or use a small paint brush, which will help you apply the slurry to those tight nooks where mealybugs like to accumulate. Cover the clumps of insects with a thick layer of paste. Some of the insects will be suffocated, while the baking soda will prevent females from laying eggs. It may take a few applications, but this kitchen staple will certainly aid in your attack against munching mealybugs.
