---
title: "I would like to officially enter for the worst infestation of…"
description: "I would like to officially enter for the worst infestation of mealybugs known to man contest. Not even going to attempt to save this guy, but thought I would…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/HnOXsOjnX8UIDXhf4Y4EGm"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "plant mommy"
published: "2025-12-17T19:25:49.208511Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/oSmsj9ZeTudUy_SGSFsSTB_S0wTy-InRFgPpYJVLbIU/2lO-5kATS26zsZCQQkKd_A.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# I would like to officially enter for the worst infestation of…

_Posted by plant mommy on 2025-12-17_

I would like to officially enter for the worst infestation of mealybugs known to man contest. Not even going to attempt to save this guy, but thought I would share this monstrosity before he’s thrown away. Yes, all of those white dots are baby mealybugs…

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/oSmsj9ZeTudUy_SGSFsSTB_S0wTy-InRFgPpYJVLbIU/2lO-5kATS26zsZCQQkKd_A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/oSmsj9ZeTudUy_SGSFsSTB_S0wTy-InRFgPpYJVLbIU/fz7P-A6CRfOS-Uh16M2ykA.webp?size=large)

## 9 comments

### Debbie commented on 2025-12-17

🫣

### Phil commented on 2025-12-17

That’s the best solution.

### ThumbieBrowning commented on 2025-12-17

Oh my. 😬

### Waspinator commented on 2025-12-18

Jail for cactus. Alcohol bath and neem treatments for a thousand years

### Nan commented on 2025-12-18

I don’t even know what to say, pretty overwhelming 😬

### Sunny commented on 2025-12-18

It’s could be cochineal scale insects or mealybugs. Cochineal scales are used to make red dye for the food and cosmetics industry. They smash into a beautiful non toxic oxblood red color. You can try clearing them by using a heavy water spray from a hose or in a shower to knock off as many as you can. You can followup with an insecticidal soap to try to clear the rest.

The same tactics can be used if they are mealybugs. An alternative is to buy beneficial insects like ladybugs that can get under the needles and literally eat the bugs. You will need to cover the plant in a mesh bag to keep the beneficial insects on the plant. 🪴🍀🐞

#### Sunny replied on 2025-12-18

I should add to use a commercial fungicide if it’s a fungus like powdery mildew and not an insect. 🪴🍀

#### Plantlife replied on 2025-12-18

I would never wish an infestation on myself but if I did I would so use ladybugs lol. Would a bag not cut off air tho

#### Sunny replied on 2025-12-18

Use a mesh drawstring bag like the ones used for wedding favors. They sell lots of them in all colors online including Amazon, eBay and Etsy. I use the small ones around hoya seed pods to prevent the seeds from flying away and let the plant breathe while draining water.🪴🍀

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wefqOljjhEOiS9LRzOB1-QhxkVJiB4A5DGumXhnNrhs/kTCFpsPZTDeGhf0hLEHqRQ.webp?size=large)

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