---
title: "Hi all! I know this is technically a pest question but it’s very…"
description: "Hi all! I know this is technically a pest question but it’s very orchid-specific, so I thought I’d ask here. I have mealy bugs IN THE CROWN of my orchid. I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/4ERj_ecwSw-FE_Nt-j5r4A"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Mendez Home"
published: "2024-10-05T19:35:43.066639Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/theOrchidOasis.jpg"
---

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# Hi all! I know this is technically a pest question but it’s very…

_Posted by Mendez Home on 2024-10-05_

Hi all! I know this is technically a pest question but it’s very orchid-specific, so I thought I’d ask here. I have mealy bugs IN THE CROWN of my orchid. I have wiped out what I can with a dry q-tip but I am TERRIFIED to get any sort of moisture including pest treatment (I usually use neem oil). Any thoughts or advice on what to do about this? Thank you in advance!

## 4 comments

### Snowstorm commented on 2024-10-05

Can you either pull a bit of the atop cotton off and roll it so it makes a bit of a cone/string and then dip it in the iso so you can reach down further. OR roll a small bit of paper towel and use the corner to dip in there?

### Jen commented on 2024-10-06

I agree- I would try to elongate the cotton swab tip and use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol.) That is my go-to works a charm remedy for mealy bugs. Alcohol does tend to evaporate pretty quickly, so it should be ok- I use it specifically in the leaf joints and all the nooks and crannies they like to hide in. I’ve never had a rot issue. If you are super concerned though, put a drop in the crown, give it a few secs, then use a paper towel to soak up any excess.

#### Jen replied on 2024-10-06

Just be sure to check and treat every couple days to find any mature ones. I made the mistake of not repotting when I had my out break, and they just came back two weeks later.

### Matilda commented on 2024-10-06

Diomataceous earth - mine came with a little dust sprayer, will get into all the crevasses

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