---
title: "I found one mealybug on my gasteria pillansii yesterday and killed it…"
description: "I found one mealybug on my gasteria pillansii yesterday and killed it by dabbing 70% isopropyl alcohol on it. From what I can tell, that seemed to have been…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/65765051efdfacd41b7f9f30"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "terracotta pot"
published: "2023-12-10T23:57:05.521Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/3h1TMv3Z1gk3w99QZOe1lW7WiAA9obGDaksy0PKLytk/295283d19e7a4edab3523b0dd3f7d046.webp?size=large"
---

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# I found one mealybug on my gasteria pillansii yesterday and killed it…

_Posted by terracotta pot on 2023-12-10_

I found one mealybug on my gasteria pillansii yesterday and killed it by dabbing 70% isopropyl alcohol on it. From what I can tell, that seemed to have been the only bug on the plant. 🤞

If anyone has experience dealing with mealybugs, I am waiting to know if I should spray the entire plant with 70% isopropyl alcohol to kill off any bugs or eggs that I cannot see or should I wait to see if any more bugs appear on the plant before doing so? I am afraid if I spray the entire plant I am going to damage or kill it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/3h1TMv3Z1gk3w99QZOe1lW7WiAA9obGDaksy0PKLytk/295283d19e7a4edab3523b0dd3f7d046.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Cookie commented on 2023-12-11

Do you have any Castille soap? On watering days, I’ve been spraying down with that (in a spray bottle with water \& a few drops of soap) \& then later rinsing off with water. Making sure it’s in a well circulated area \& under a grow light.  
And the alcohol to spot treat is working well. But I’ve heard it takes a couple months to completely get rid of them. 😒

On closer look, are some of the base of your leaves starting to rot? It’s hard to see 🤔

#### terracotta pot replied on 2023-12-11

Thank you so much for your advice. I don’t have Castile soap but I will look into getting some.

The bottom part of one side of the plant is darker than the rest of the plant but it looked like that when I purchased it. Not sure if it’s rot. The new center leaf seems to be growing (very slowly) so I always assumed it was just a blemish.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/3h1TMv3Z1gk3w99QZOe1lW7WiAA9obGDaksy0PKLytk/c6e1526303d046eab4f5b2e29f403638.webp?size=large)

#### Cookie replied on 2023-12-12

I think it might have sat in some water at some pt. So just make sure it gets enough air circulation when it gets wet 😊👍🏻

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