---
title: "Any thoughts on resistant mealy bugs? I've tried neem oil,…"
description: "Any thoughts on resistant mealy bugs? I've tried neem oil, insecticidal soap, organic bug killer, systemic granuals and straight alcohol. Been fighting these…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/8hnZOVEmPxcpgbIRZMOB2a"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Karen"
published: "2026-10-05T14:19:26.797167Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aVE_wbC4OOlyXcSpMRXDrF4z80Au-rcCTAcVzqo4Bpo/3DiOvm4ZRZqFY2f320saVw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Any thoughts on resistant mealy bugs? I've tried neem oil,…

_Posted by Karen on 2026-10-05_

Any thoughts on resistant mealy bugs? I've tried neem oil, insecticidal soap, organic bug killer, systemic granuals and straight alcohol. Been fighting these things for the last year or so in my lemon tree. I have been trying to stay away from toxic stuff as I have a house full of pets.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aVE_wbC4OOlyXcSpMRXDrF4z80Au-rcCTAcVzqo4Bpo/3DiOvm4ZRZqFY2f320saVw.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### KJM commented on 2026-10-05

Mealy bugs can be quite the pain. Can you take it outside and give it a thorough spraying off. It would take some time to do the spraying but if you can wash most of them off, let it dry and then treat it again with neem or insecticidal soap being sure to spray in every leaf axle and every crevice. They hide very well. Since you've applied a systemic already I would not do that again unless it's been at least 2 months.

### Plantingsherry commented on 2026-10-06

I recommend buying predator bugs sachets to let loose. I have learned this from YouTube videos. It’s amazing to watch how they go after the pests.

### Sally Brown commented on 2026-10-07

I have started using nematodes…beneficial bugs.

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