As stated in other sections of this website we have had a lot of help compiling the information found on Show Quality Plants. Much of it comes fromour extensive horticultural library and interviewing authorities in the field and of corse searching the internet. We try to give credit where it is due but it is not always possible to thank everyone.

The following list of pest in by no means complete, it is just some of the most common that we come in contact with. Some are just pest, annoances at worst like the flies that are attracted to the Stapelia or carrion flowers. Others like the pine beatle that devastate the local pine trees can be very distructive to your bonsai collection.

We will do our best to supply you with tried and true remedies both organic and chemical but we reccommend that you check with your local experts, don't just assume we have it all right.

Mealybugs

Small, wingless, dull-white, soft-bodied insects that produce a waxy powdery covering. Mealybugs often look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stems branch. They attack a wide range of plants. Mealybugs weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leaf drop. They also produce a sweet substance called honeydew (coveted by ants) which can lead to an unattractive black surface fungal growth called sooty mold.

Prevention and Control: Isolate infested plants from those that are not. We reccommend treament with a good water soluble insecticidal soap such as Safer or Schultz. You can also encourage natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to help reduce population levels of mealybugs.