Question
QUESTION: Hi Kathy,
I'm not sure what to do, my son bought a young lime tree this spring. It has flowered and set limes, but he noticed what I believe to be a soil infestation of mealy bugs. Any suggestions as to how to get rid of them other than throw the plant away! Also, if we treat it will there be any problem healthwise, with eating the limes if/when they mature.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Mare Wilde

ANSWER: Hi Marie,  Citrus always has one problem or another.  You can use an insecticidal spray but most are made with poison to kill both the good and the bad bugs.  You can use Atomic Grow which will make your plant super healthy so the bugs go somewhere else.  In doing so you do not have to worry about eating the fruit as it is made from food.  Always read the labels of anything you buy and they say if you do not know what it is in the product stay away from it.  Well this is made from corn, soy, cactus, etc.  It will also get rid of sooty mold which is caused by aphids, leaf minor that citrus gets in the leaves and makes them curl.  kathy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt response. What I didn't tell you is that this lime tree is a potted plant and will be indoors during our cold winter. I too am in favor of organics rather than pesticides. Any suggestion for an organic insecticidal soap if applicable to use that might get it under control quickly,and if we change the soil would this help as well?
thanks again
Marie Wilde

Answer
Hi again,  There are products on the market, the main thing is that you read the labels.  So many times poison is added to what we think is safe.  There is pure Neem Oil and Neem Oil with poison added.  Atomic Grow is made from food, but it goes one step further in making your plant grow and thrive and become healthy.  You can use it in the home or outside.  It is absorbed through the leaves and does not wash off.  Once in a while if you can put your tree outside for a breath of fresh air and maybe some rain on it, would be a great benefit.  You could keep washing off the leaves with soapy water until you get a product to keep the bug situation under control.  kathy