Question
Darlene, Let me make sure I understand this correctly.  Do you want me to spray un-deluted rubbing alcohol onto the tree daily for 1 week and then every other day for 2 weeks?

The tree is sitting in a conference room on the 17th floor with windows on 2 sides.  It seems to be adjusting to the light and being inside now but it went into shock when we first brought it into the office.  I have pictures of what it looked like when we first got it and can send them to you on Monday. I will take some current pictures to send to you too. There is a big difference.

It got really bad for a while and was dying.  But it is putting out new shoots and leaves now.  Then the mealy bugs show up.

This tree is literaly teaching me how to care for it and I clearly need help!  I really do appreciate your assistance.
Maureen
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Recently purchased a 25 year old Ficus retusa bonsai tree for my company.  It almost did not make the transition to its new location but with lots of care and worry..it is doing better.  Today I discovered the recovering plant now has mealy bugs.  How do I not stress this beautiful tree any more than necessary but get rid of these unwanted guests?
-----Answer-----
Maureen,

Spray the tree with rubbing alcohol (straight out of the bottle put in a spray bottle) daily for a week then every other day for another 2 weeks.  That should kill any aggs that hatch also.

How much sun is the tree getting? Let me know and I will give you further advice. Good luck.

Darlene

Answer
Maureen,

Yes, take a spray bottle of undiluted rubbing alcohol in and spray it onto the tree daily for 1 week and then every other day for 2 weeks. You might want to take an old plastic tablecloth in or a sheet of plastic to put under it when you it. The alcohol will kill the insects on contact but you have to be persistant to get the eggs that hatch out before they lay more eggs. If you don't want to spray you can use q-tips dipped in alcohol to remove the mealy bugs and there egg cases.

When you take ficus trees indoors from outside the are stressed because of the lack of outdoor light. The more sun they get the less stress there will be. Insects attack when a plant is stressed. To unstress it move it to where it will get more light, actual sun shining on it. I would love to see your before and after pictures and I would also like to know which direction the windows face and how close to the windows is it? Are the windows coated with anything to reduce the sun fade? You can send your pictures to [email protected].

Darlene