It appears as though someone wearing yellow-green lipstick kissed this young Cactus Apple or Engelmann’s Prickly Pear (Opuntia engelmannii) repeatedly (painful), but it was actually constantly sucked on by Cactus Bugs or Opuntia Bugs (Chelinidea sp.). Both the adults and the nymphs of cactus bugs feed on these cacti by biting into their skin and sucking out their circulatory fluids. Cactus bugs lay their eggs on the undersides of pricklypear (Opuntia spp.) spines.
I’m not positive of the identify of the cactus bug pictured above that I saw here in Tucson, Arizona, as there are at least two different species of cactus bugs that can be found in Arizona, Chelinidea tabulata and C. vittigera (previously C. vittiger).
Since many of them later succumbed to one, I had assumed that the Opuntia cacti with these yellow rings were infected with a cactus virus. However, I later learned that these chlorotic rings are actually directly brought on by the sucking of cactus bugs. Unfortunately, feeding cactus bugs can harm an Opuntia cactus in addition to infecting it with bacteria, fungi, or viruses that manifest as gray or black spots, yellow mottling, or rings (rot). The cactus may die as a result of these secondary illnesses.
Adult cactus bugs are dark to blackish, about half an inch (1.3 cm) long, and have the conventional shape of a genuine bug, along with a distinguishing yellowish stripe along the top of their heads, a solid yellowish pronotum, and yellowish veins on their leathery forewings (Order Hemiptera). The nymphs are plump, teardrop-shaped, and typically come in a variety of colors, including red, green, and brown.
True bugs, also known as Hemipterans, have sucking mouthparts. Some of these bugs, like Assassin Bugs, are predatory and will capture and suck on other insects, while others eat plants or even human blood. Since they feed on plant liquids, true bugs like cactus bugs can spread plant diseases from one plant to another. They can also do this by leaving behind open wounds that might harbor bacteria.
Cactus bugs: how do you get rid of them?
Even if there are additional pests that may harm your succulents, the majority of infestations will be caused by one of these four bugs.
Mealybugs
The fluffy, white insects known as mealybugs are typically found in big numbers. Although you might mistake them for a spiderweb up close, they have a distinct, cottony texture.
They adore living in cracks and other secret, safe places. Check the areas of your succulents where the leaves meet the stem; this is a preferred location.
Fortunately, mealybug infestations are fairly simple to manage. You can just unpot the succulent and thoroughly rinse it out with a strong stream of water if the infestation isn’t too bad. That ought to be sufficient to remove all of the mealybugs.
You should repot the plant in new soil because certain species lay their eggs in the soil. If you’re unsure whether your soil is contaminated, you can bake it at 200 degrees for a couple of hours to eliminate any hidden pathogens.
Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected areas of the plant if water is ineffective or you don’t want to repot the plant. The insects will be instantly killed by regular 70% isopropyl alcohol, but your succulent won’t be affected at all. Try spraying the plant liberally with alcohol after filling a spray bottle with it.
Scale
On the plant’s surface, scales take the form of rounded or oval bumps. They are very little, measuring no more than one centimeter or so, and are always dark in color.
It should be immediately clear why these insects are called scales since they are protected by a hard, smooth shell. When they reach the adult stage, they choose a location (typically along the stem) and stay there for the rest of their lives. They are fairly resistant to chemical treatments and almost impervious to predators.
However, they usually spread very slowly. If you notice a few of them on your plant, you may remove them quite quickly by scraping them off with a blade or your fingernail. If there are numerous, you should use a potent insecticide.
The solution is neem oil. Neem oil is frequently marketed as an extract and needs to be diluted before usage, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Additionally, keep in mind that if the oil is on the plant and under strong, direct sunshine, it could result in sunburns because it is an oil.
Neem oil should therefore be applied at night. That also lessens the chance of accidentally catching helpful bugs, most of which are active during the day.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are extremely hardy because they can overwinter in the soil and reproduce swiftly. They flourish in the same hot, dry environments that succulents do, unlike the majority of pests.
The tangled, wispy cobwebs that spider mites build around themselves to ward off predators make them very easy to recognize. They come in a variety of hues, including brown, black, and red, and many of them are so tiny you would need a magnifying glass to see them. Look for webs on the undersides of leaves, where they almost always congregate.
Although they pierce leaves to get the juices, the damage is done gradually. For a plant to actually be in danger, spider mites would need to completely cover it. To identify spider mites, look for random spots of yellow, brown, or gray scarring on leaves.
Washing away their protective web covering with vigorous water is the first step in getting rid of them. Apply neem oil next as you would for scaling. Treatment with isopropyl alcohol is also effective. An additional choice is to use insecticidal soap, which you can either purchase or manufacture by combining a few drops of dishwashing detergent with a quart of water. Use a spray bottle to liberally apply the solution.
Fungus Gnats
In reality, fungus gnats are merely a nuisance and not even a pest. However, they are very common and should be mentioned.
They resemble fruit flies in every way, more or less. perhaps a little smaller When you brush by them, they will occasionally take off in a swarm when they are resting on the leaves of your plants.
The adult gnats you see flying around have a relatively brief lifespan and barely consume any food. They lay their eggs in wet ground. The eggs develop into larvae that primarily consume decaying matter but may eat new, sensitive roots if given the chance.
Although fungus gnats are not very harmful to your succulents and cacti, they are a sign that your plant is overly damp. Give the plant extra time to dry out in between waterings or switch out the soil with one that is looser and faster draining.
It is quite simple to get rid of fungus gnats. The soil will eventually die if you thoroughly dry it up (without any water for around two weeks). The eggs and larvae will shrivel up, and the adults will eventually pass away. If you place a fan to blow over the plant, the adults won’t be able to return and deposit eggs because they are extremely slow flyers.
Water your plant with an alcohol or insecticidal soap solution and fully wet the soil for a quicker fix.
That is the quick-and-dirty method for removing bugs from your cactus and succulents. Do you have any questions concerning any other pests? Do you require more information? Tell us in the comments section below!
Do cacti bring bugs inside the house?
Growing succulent plants has several advantages, one of which is the absence of pests. Even if there are fewer pests on these plants, they can nevertheless attack. The most frequent pests of succulent and cactus plants are tiny gnats, aphids, and mealybugs, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for them.
Can bugs live on cacti?
Cacti and succulent houseplants occasionally experience insect pests, but the majority of issues are bacterial or fungal illnesses brought on by overwatering. Scale, mealy bugs, and root mealy bugs are the three most prevalent pests. Pests like spider mites and fungus gnats are less frequent.
What insect resembles a cactus?
A natural component of gardening are insects and other fauna. Certain insects are helpful to plants. Unfortunately, some animals and insects will damage your cactus or succulents. Nobody wants to see their favourite plants go ill or pass away in the garden. The list of pests you might come across while cultivating cacti or succulents, as well as how to handle any potential infestations, is provided below.
Can mealybugs infect people?
Mealybugs are drawn to plants both inside and outside. The pests will target a variety of plants, including African violets, gardenias, and fruit trees. Mealybugs conceal themselves under leaves and flower petals, making it even more difficult to see their tiny bodies.
These pests are frequently found in gardens, flowerbeds, and indoor plants. The warm spring and summer months are ideal for the mealybug to flourish.
These pests damage plants by puncturing their leaves and stems and ingesting their sap, which causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Mealybug honeydew, the pests’ sticky excrement, attracts additional insect pests and encourages mold growth on plants. Mealybugs do not eat people or infect them with diseases.
Preventing the introduction of infected plants into the interior of the house is one of the simplest strategies to control mealybug infestations. Any plants that are bought can be carefully examined by the homeowner before being brought inside or planted as part of an outdoor landscape. It is a good idea to “quarantine the plants for around two weeks,” even if the plants don’t seem to have mealybugs. Cutting off or culling infected leaves or stems will prevent mealybugs from having a chance to increase their population on the infected plant, preventing damage. To stop mealybugs from spreading to other, uninfected plants, simply disposing of infected plants may be the most effective way to prevent damage as a last resort.
If a minor mealybug infestation is found, the afflicted plant(s) may need to be treated with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs to get rid of the pests, exposed to running water to kill the pests, or washed with soapy water.
If the mealybug infestation is severe, the treatment strategy can call for a solution that not only kills mealybugs but also kills ants that eat the honeydew that the mealybugs create. This is crucial because ants can carry mealybugs from one plant to another and shield them from predators, increasing the number of infected plants. If the treatment plan calls for the use of a product, it is typically better to let your pest management professional administer it because his or her training and expertise ensure that the product’s labeled use instructions are strictly followed.
Appearance
Mealybugs are tiny, oval-shaped insects with soft bodies that are coated in a white, powdery wax. Additionally, several species of mealybugs have projections that protrude from their bodies, creating the impression that they have numerous legs on the side and back of the body. They resemble tiny cotton specks when spotted on plants.
Mealybugs move slowly, but when they locate a good spot on the plant, they frequently become motionless and group together.
Diet
Mealybugs consume plant liquids for food, which weakens the plant and causes the leaves to droop, wilt, and become yellow. Additionally, the insects create honeydew, a gooey material that encourages mold growth on plants and draws in ant predators. The plant may perish if the mealybug infestation is not eradicated.
Mealybugs & Ants
Mealybugs draw ants by excreting honeydew, which the ants eat because it is sticky and delicious. Mealybug infestations typically manifest as yellowing and wilting leaves on plants, and if the infestation is not resolved, the plant may eventually perish.
Habitat
Mealybugs feed on plants and will infest the majority of the host plant’s tissues. They commonly inhabit various outdoor plants, including annuals, bushes, and shrubs, where they are typically found on the underside of plant leaves and stems. Nearly any plant in greenhouses, households, or businesses will become severely infested by mealybugs. They consume plants by driving their needle-like mouthparts into them and sucking out the plant juices.
What do mealy bugs on cacti look like?
When there are several white spots or little white fuzz bits adhering to your cactus, it is most likely that your plant has mealybugs. To make sure, you’ll need to approach near to your plant.
If your cactus has white fuzz specks all over it, you have mealybugs.
By the time you detect this, there will probably be sooty mold or fungus growing, spots that appear glossy or damp (from their excretions), and worse. This is the outcome of the bugs’ production of honeydew.
If there are areas of your soil that appear moist despite the fact that you haven’t watered them, mealybugs may be present in your soil or at the base of your plant.
Your cactus could begin to appear less healthy overall, start to turn yellow or brown, and begin to lean to one side.
Mealybugs can be seen up close with the naked eye and are, at their biggest size, about the size of a pinhead.
These little cactus bugs can be recognized by their dull gray hue and lined back before they settle in and feel comfortable (almost like a hasselback potato).
They create a barrier around themselves for protection and to lay their eggs once they have found the ideal location and are comfortable. This appears to be little cotton-fluff particles.
Male mealybugs can fly in some species, but they mostly transmit by crawling from one plant to another.
Therefore, if you have numerous plants near together or touching foliage, they might spread considerably more quickly.
It’s likely mealybugs if your cactus has white patches or tiny dots that resemble white bugs.
Are cacti a bug magnet?
The saguaro at dusk or a lone barrel cactus growing on a stretch of desolate sand have been rendered iconic by films and television, while cacti in the terrain evoke images of rough desert scenery. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising that these plants help create visually appealing home gardens. Landscape cacti also draw a variety of hungry insects that are unaware they are ruining your meticulously planned desert garden. Fortunately, once you’ve located the problem, the majority of cactus bugs are simple to eradicate.
Are plants in bedrooms an insect magnet?
Indeed, indoor plants draw insects. They are typically drawn to indoor growing environments with high humidity levels or little air movement. Aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and whiteflies are the most prevalent pests.
Infestations can be kept to a minimum and treated immediately, causing the least amount of harm to your plants, by keeping ideal growing conditions, providing adequate water, and examining your plants frequently.
If you are reading this, there’s a good chance that you already have some bugs and are looking for information about them. You’re fortunate! Learn more about the causes of potential bug infestations as well as how to spot, get rid of, and avoid them by reading on. I’ll also go over which houseplants are the most pest-resistant.