Question
how do you get rid of mealy bugs?

Answer
Gayle,

If you are talking about a small potted palm in your home I would put 16 ounces of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) then add 16 ounces of water and 2 teaspoons of dish soap. Put this mix in a spray bottle and spray the entire plant making sure you get the fronts and backs of all fronds and the surface of the soil. Spray the plant twice a week for at least 3 weeks after all signs of the mealy bugs are gone to make sure you get any that hatch out and are babies before they lay eggs. Consistency is the key to geetting rid of them. If you miss a couple of sprays eggs will hatch and they will produce another round of insects, then you are basically starting over. This solution will kill them on contact but has no risidual effects on the insects or the plant or you.

You can opt for chemical sprays from a garden center that you can spray on it but I reccommend you do that outdoors and wear a breathing mask while using it. Also wash your clothes and yourself thoroughly after spraying. Just look for a spray that is labeled for mealy bugs. Read the instructions and follow them.

I opt for the alcohol spray solution because it is a lot safer but because there is no residual effects you have to spray it for a longer period. Good luck.

Darlene