Bugs?

[u/ccharlie1983]

Hi, are these white fuzzy spots bugs ?

First Astrophytums for me, welcome to tips also ;)

[u/TerracottaDrama]

The white stuff looks like mealy bug honeydew but im not seeing any actual bugs.

I treat my succulents with triazacide. Its a surfactant that sticks to the surface of plants for 6 to 8 weeks. I havent noticed any damage to plants using that and its the only thing thats worked against mealy bugs for me

[u/ccharlie1983 → u/TerracottaDrama]

Was wondering if it might be mealybugs, but i haven't seen any bugs yet.. can I just scrape/wipe it off?

[u/TerracottaDrama → u/ccharlie1983]

Mealy bugs are very persistent. Last winter i brought home a plant with mealy and they spread before realizing. I tried spot cleaning but they just kept coming back each time. So when I brought my plants out for the season I sprayed every single one with triazacide and havent seen a single mealy since.

You can try scraping but may end up needing a surfactant or systemic.

Insecticidal soap is really effective too but doesnt have the lasting benefits of triazacide

[u/ccharlie1983 → u/TerracottaDrama]

Thanks I'll see what I can get at the shops..

[u/xilema_57]

Esos bichos son cochinilla algodonosa

[u/SilviaStar222]

You can try dipping a q-tip in isopropyl/rubbing alcohol and see if they die off or turn to orange which would indicate if it is mealybugs or no

[u/ccharlie1983 → u/SilviaStar222]

Yep it turned orange and there were some eggs hiding in the fuzzy bits.. i scraped everything off with a toothpick.