Question
I have a cactus that is about 10' tall had since it was 2-3" has developed white harry or fuzzy balls very small all over it my outher cacti have it too when the weather is good i put it out side and hose it of winter is the problem and it spreasd im in New Jersey can you help me
Thank you
Bill

Answer
Bill,

The white hairy or fuzzy balls are insects called mealy bugs. They are sucking insects that can damage plants. They love cacti and succulents. To get rid of them you should put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray them. It will kill them on contact. Or you can use Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol and scrape the mealy bugs off. Then in the summer put it outside and spray them off with the hose. You will need to repeat the alcohol spray twice a week for about 3-4 weeks. This should kill any eggs that hatch out too. Good luck.

Darlene