I've been fighting a mealy bug infestation on two hoyas. I've been spraying with Neem oil and diluted alcohol in a spray bottle. I've used alcohol on cotton swabs to treat individual ones when I see them. I also bought a systemic to put in the soil. That may help your situation. It's Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control. I wish you no more mealies!

I've seen that one too in my search. My biggest concern with a systemic is what the plant will respire in the house. Obviously they absorb the poison throughout the entire plant but they have to give off some of that when they breathe. I could continue to do what I've been doing and wash off all soil and repot into new pots until spring when they move outside and then treat with the systemic. But I definitely have to irradicate these things.

I understand that reservation and respect it. Admittedly, I should have done more research into the active ingredient in that product. I originally had planned to use diatomaceous earth as a top dress for the infected hoyas but the garden center steered me to the systemic. I don't know if it would help with mealy bugs, but I know that top dressing with pumice really helps with fungus gnats. This is the first time I have ever seen a mealy bug so I am by no means an expert!

The only chemical that managed to eradicate my mealybugs was the one containing dimethoate, extremely strong and dangerous and awfully smelly. And as far as I know, European Union has just pulled this out of production and legal use. The worst infestation I had was on crassulas, sansevierias did not succumb to them. Just now I am battling thrips and, sadly, my S.aubrytiana is bearing signs of their activity.

I have had good results with Bonide granules for houseplants. It has Imidacloprid in it but you have to keep up with it. It takes a while to get rid of them.

Bonide at ACE hardware

I get it at ACE hardware (I live across the street from one) but it is probably cheaper elsewhere. My closest Homedepot and Lowes don't carry it.

I have also used Natria spray when my plants were outside, it smells but it doesn't have Imidacloprid in it. It says it's safe for use in the house.

I feel your pain, I hope you can get it under control. I lost some sans to them too, very frustrating when you think they are gone from one plant you find out another has it.

Well, I found that at Ace and it was $8 for 8 ounces. I purchased it off Amazon for $14 for 4 lbs... if you do the math, I win! :) I've repotted most of my sans because they seem to have hit them the most. I know it's the wrong time of year but I didn't really have a choice. I figured that if I lose them, I was going to have to replace them anyway.

Those root mealies are hard to eradicate. I managed to get rid of them by unpotting and watering emersing the whole plant in the insecticide solution. I also watered (drenched the soil with it). No messing around with them as any survivors quickly multiply again.

Thank you stush! My local nursery recommended the Bonide to me so I'm glad to know that it is working for you. I added it to two hoyas that both had mealy bugs and I'm hoping for the best. One of the hoyas is very old and I would really be sad to lose it.

Robdb8, what did you end up ordering from Amazon?

You may have to reuse it after a few months until all looks well and then some. Like Woodnative said, hard to eradicate. Reason why I use it twice a year along with liquid Sevin. Middle spring when the plants are outside starting to grow and then September giving them time before coming in for the winter.

I did order the Bonide w/ Imidacloprid for houseplants, I just don't want to use it inside, trying to wait them out til spring.

Rob, Do you have cats and afraid of them eating the plants? Other wise, it should be safe and I never noticed an odor. Could spray the plants with deluded mouthwash. Not the best but will knock down somewhat.

We have a cat and dog, both of which I don't think would be an issue, they tend to leave my plants alone. I was just worried about respiration, although it probably wouldn't be enough to worry about.

I discovered mealy bugs are still on one hoya even after alcohol treatments, neem oil sprays, and the systemic formula. They were hiding. I had used some orchid clips to clip some of the longer strands onto a trellis thinking that keeping them up off the soil would help. Well...no. There were hoards of mealy bugs under each of the clips. Evil / clever things.

Popmama. Using Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control didn't work? New Bayer 3 in 1 has changed their formula. Doesn't have imidacloprid.

Stush, that is correct. This plant still has mealy even after the Bonide. I was quite surprised.

Do you recommend the Bayer?

I have used Bayer systemic capsules on my hibiscus that go outside in the summer and come back inside in the winter to prevent unwanted travelers. It seems to work pretty well.

Some Bayer does have the imidacioprid and some newer formula that doesn't. Don't know how the new stuff works. Good or bad? I have always used the old formula Bayer 3 in 1 and never had any problems with bugs. I had some problems with Aloe mites and used liquid Sevin which after several years did the job but could have been spread in between so I had to keep isolated.

Is it possible that you have a area that could re-contaminate your plant after a few months? Treatment usually last only a few months.