---
title: "I just noticed this white stuff of my cactus. Does anyone know what…"
description: "I just noticed this white stuff of my cactus. Does anyone know what it is? Would neem oil help get rid of whatever the white stuff is?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/7HXWaFcLRpqxMXUy7J60GQ"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "MissDanie"
published: "2024-11-27T00:18:55.595647Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/AFRUrYOUaurR_hwlY0PtiopP3i3NbtMtf_pMICh5rJQ/4klWm9oNTFyLto6lUAVOeg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I just noticed this white stuff of my cactus. Does anyone know what…

_Posted by MissDanie on 2024-11-27_

I just noticed this white stuff of my cactus. Does anyone know what it is? Would neem oil help get rid of whatever the white stuff is?

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/AFRUrYOUaurR_hwlY0PtiopP3i3NbtMtf_pMICh5rJQ/4klWm9oNTFyLto6lUAVOeg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/AFRUrYOUaurR_hwlY0PtiopP3i3NbtMtf_pMICh5rJQ/ZUJtheS9SQe2YE13AqaVnA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/AFRUrYOUaurR_hwlY0PtiopP3i3NbtMtf_pMICh5rJQ/Go_UoYnYSnycsVxEYR8f_w.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/AFRUrYOUaurR_hwlY0PtiopP3i3NbtMtf_pMICh5rJQ/l5Zxk4SrQdaFpVlSKB-tLw.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### MissDanie commented on 2024-11-27

It has been raining the past few days and dont think it had this stuff before that. It fell over with the rain and wind. Which is when we noticed the white stuff.

### Corey commented on 2024-11-27

Could be mealy bugs!

### MeasomerPi commented on 2024-11-27

It’s probably a cochineal bug. Basically a type of mealy bug that specializes in opuntia.

Fun fact - cochineal bugs are used to make a food grade red dye. Well, maybe more of a gross fact 🤢🤢🤢

#### Nunyabzwx replied on 2024-11-27

😲😲😲 ewww!!! But thats interesting.

#### Sunny replied on 2024-11-27

They produce that fabulously vibrant carmine red! It’s used everywhere in artist paints, cosmetics and in foods as ‘natural dye 4.’ The dye is very stable in foods and has good shelf life without the cancer causing ingredients and inability to degrade like some synthetic dyes. It’s the red in red velvet cake mix, skittles, yogurts and red/pink juices. 😁

#### MeasomerPi replied on 2024-11-27

Mmmmmmm red skittles

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2024-11-27

Definitely cochineal bugs. You could use neem or alcohol on a tip to wipe them off.

### MissDanie commented on 2024-11-28

Thanks!

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