Have you been struggling with annoying mealybugs invading your plants and ruining your gardening efforts? Look no further! In this article, we're going to bring you the best systemic insecticide for mealybugs and how to pick the right one for your gardens.
Here are the best systemic insecticides for mealybugs you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Containerized Plants: Bonide 951
- Insecticide & Fertilizer Combo: BioAdvanced 701100A
- Best For Ornamental Trees: Bonide BND611
- Best For Shrubs: Fertilome 11207
- Best For Fruit & Nut Trees: Compare-N-Save 75333
- Best For Vegetables & Herbs: Monterey LG 6274
| 6 Best Systemic Insecticides For Mealybugs | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Containerized Plants | Bonide 951 | |
Insecticide & Fertilizer Combo | BioAdvanced 701100A | |
Best For Ornamental Trees | Bonide BND611 | |
Best For Shrubs | Fertilome 11207 | |
Best For Fruit & Nut Trees | Compare-N-Save 75333 | |
Best For Vegetables & Herbs | Monterey LG 6274 | |
Best For Containerized Plants: Bonide 951
- Easy to use & no mess – the granule form
- Ideal for indoor use – low-odor formula
- Provide protection against mealybugs for up to 8 weeks – 0.22% imidacloprid
- Pricey
The Bonide 951 is specifically formulated to provide long-lasting, systemic protection from insects and pests that affect containerized plants.
Its active ingredient is imidacloprid, which is taken up by the plant’s roots and moved through the plant’s system to hence provide complete protection to all parts of the plant. But that's not all, this insecticide can kill mealybugs on contact.
The protection lasts up to 8 weeks, which makes it a great option for ongoing protection against pests.
As a great plus, the granules are easy to use, as they can be incorporated into the soil and watered in, and do not require any spraying or mess.
| Bonide 951 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Granules |
Weight | 0.51 Pounds |
Volume | 227.3 Milliliters |
Active Ingredients | Imidacloprid |
Highlight Features | the granule form 0.22% imidacloprid low-odor formula |
The Bonide 951 offers the top-notch protection against mealybugs for containerized plants than anything else on the market, according to our testing.
Insecticide & Fertilizer Combo: BioAdvanced 701100A
- Versatile – insecticide and fertilizer combo
- Convenient and hassle-free to use - a ready-to-use granular form
- Reliable – EPA regulated formula
- It’s a bit hard to open
- Expensive
The BioAdvanced 701100A contains 0.22% Imidacloprid that provides excellent protection against mealybugs, as well as other listed pests, for up to 12 months. The beauty of this insecticide is it kills pests without harming beneficial insects, such as hummingbirds and bees.
But that’s not all. The product also contains fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 6-9-6. This means you can provide both pest protection and plant nutrition by using just one product. So convenient, huh?
Additionally, the BioAdvanced 701100A features a ready-to-use granular form, making it easier to apply than liquid insecticides or fertilizers.
| BioAdvanced 701100A Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Granules |
Weight | 5 Pounds |
Volume | 5000 Milliliters |
Active Ingredients | 0.22% Imidacloprid |
Highlight Features | insecticide and fertilizer combo |
On the market for the best mealybug insecticide and fertilizer combo? Look no further than the BioAdvanced 701100A
Best For Ornamental Trees: Bonide BND611
- Recommended for ornamental trees
- Not easily washed away by water or rains – rainproof within hours
- It requires mixing
The Bonide BND611 is an effective solution for controlling mealybugs, thanks to the active ingredient of Imidacloprid.
It works by targeting the central nervous system of insects, effectively paralyzing them and ultimately leading to death. Imidacloprid is an incredibly powerful insecticide and can be used in a variety of situations, including in crops, soil, as a seed treatment, and as a topical treatment for pets.
But don't worry, the active ingredient is safe for ornamental trees, plus the concentration used in this product is not high enough to be harmful to humans or animals.
| Bonide BND611 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Spray |
Weight | 8.2 Pounds |
Volume | 128 Fluid Ounces |
Active Ingredients | Imidacloprid: 1.47% |
Highlight Features | Recommended for ornamental trees rainproof within hours |
You might appreciate the Bonide BND611 if you’re looking for the best systemic insecticide for mealybugs in your ornamental trees.
Best For Shrubs: Fertilome 11207
- Labeled for shrubs
- Easy to hold – an ergonomically designed handle
- Wish it came with a measuring cup
The Fertilome 11207 is specifically designed for outdoor residential use for the protection of trees and shrubs from mealybugs for up to 12 months. And it's particularly safe for use in shrubs.
The application is easy. Just apply 3 ounces of product per foot of height for every gallon of water for proper application on shrubs. Then, wait for the results.
Thanks to its systemic nature, this product ensures that it cannot be washed off by rain or irrigation, providing long-lasting protection for your plants and trees.
| Fertilome 11207 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Liquid |
Weight | 8.6 Pounds |
Volume | 128.0 Fl Oz |
Active Ingredients | Imidacloprid |
Highlight Features | Labeled for shrubs an ergonomically designed handle |
Of all the insecticides for mealybugs we tested, the Fertilome 11207 is the best option for shrubs.
Best For Fruit & Nut Trees: Compare-N-Save 75333
- Safe for use in fruit and nut trees
- Long-lasting & rainproof
- Budget-friendly
- A bit heavy to pour out
- No measuring cup is included
Like other picks in this list, the Compare-N-Save 75333 has an active ingredient of imidacloprid, which protects plants against mealybugs from the inside. This means when the pests feed on the plant, they will be exposed to the insecticide and will be controlled.
As an added bonus, the protection effects last up to 12 months. So, one single application for prolonged protection against these pests.
But rest assured, this product contains imidacloprid at low volume, so it can be applied on fruit and nut trees, as long as you follow the instructions carefully while using it.
| Compare-N-Save 75333 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Leaf |
Weight | 8.6 Pounds |
Volume | 128 Fluid Ounces |
Active Ingredients | Imidacloprid |
Highlight Features | Safe for use in fruit and nut trees Long-lasting & rainproof Budget-friendly |
Need to eliminate mealybugs from your fruit and nut trees? Take a gander at the Compare-N-Save 75333
Best For Vegetables & Herbs: Monterey LG 6274
- Labeled for vegetables and herbs
- Provide year-long protection
- No bad odors
- Hard to hold
- A bit pricey
We pick the Monterey LG 6274 for those who want to eliminate mealybugs from their vegetables and herbs. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage carefully, and it'll be great.
As a systemic insecticide, this insecticide only kills those pests that feed on the plants, not the beneficial insects, such as honeybees.
In addition, the systemic nature of the treatment ensures that it will reach all areas of the plant, including the hard-to-reach parts where mealybugs often hide.
You can mix this product with water and pour it around the base of your plants for season-long control.
| Monterey LG 6274 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Form | Liquid |
Weight | 1 Pound |
Volume | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Active Ingredients | imidacloprid |
Highlight Features | Labeled for vegetables and herbs Provide year-long protection No bad odors |
If you are looking for an effective yet safe solution to control mealybugs in your vegetables and herbs, the Monterey LG 6274 is right in your alley.
How To Choose The Best Systemic Insecticide For Mealybugs?
Active Ingredients
It is important to consider the activity of systemic insecticides.
The active ingredients in systemic insecticides such as neonicotinoids, acephate, dinotefuran, and imidacloprid can vary in their effectiveness against different types of mealybug species.
It is important to select an insecticide with high activity against the type of mealybug being targeted.
Formulation
Also, don't forget to choose the right formulation of the systemic insecticide.
For instance, some products are available in liquid, granular, or wettable powder formulations, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
It is important to select a formulation that is best suited to the particular application.
Other factors
- Determine the type of mealybug that is present: Some insecticides may be more effective than others against certain species.
- Assess whether the insects are on indoor or outdoor plants, as this will impact which insecticides may be most effective.
- Consider the size and type of plants affected by the mealybug infestation, as some insecticides may be better suited for certain types of plants.
- Choose an insecticide with a low environmental impact.
Which Brands Make The Best Systemic Insecticide For Mealybugs?
Bonide
Bonide is renowned for highly effective insecticides with long-lasting protection against chewing and sucking insects.
Its products are effective on outdoor ornamental plants such as roses, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Bonide provides a variety of formulations and applications to meet any need.
Finally, this brand has been in business since 1926 and is a family-owned business managed by the third generation, adding to its credibility.
BioAdvanced
BioAdvanced offers science-based solutions that provide long-term protection against listed soil insects. They use active ingredients such as imidacloprid and B-cyfluthrin and are proven to kill the most common lawn pests including ants, fleas, ticks, and more.
Additionally, their products are safe to use around children and pets as long as they are label directed, making them a trusted and reliable brand.
Fertilome
Fertilome's insecticide products are environmentally friendly and safe for use around plants, shrubs, lawns, and flowers but are highly effective against a variety of common garden and lawn pests.
With its quality ingredients and excellent results, Fertilome has earned a reputation for being one of the top insecticide brands on the market.
Compare-N-Save
Compare-N-Save's insecticides are known for their effectiveness in controlling a wide variety of indoor and outdoor insects.
They contain Bifenthrin concentrate, making them powerful enough to kill insects while still being safe to use around people and pets. They can be applied in various ways such as spraying, baiting, or fogging, making them a versatile option for many applications.
Ultimately, Compare-N-Save's insecticides are known for their reliability and ease of use.
FAQs
Does systemic insecticide kill mealy bugs without killing my plants?
Yes, systemic insecticides can effectively kill mealybugs without causing harm to your plants. Some good examples are:
- Bonide 951
- BioAdvanced 701100A
- Bonide BND611
- Fertilome 11207
- Compare-N-Save 75333
- Monterey LG 6274
How fast does systemic insecticide work?
Systemic insecticides can take 7-14 days to be fully distributed throughout a plant in ideal conditions, and up to one month for larger trees. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and remain off the grass for at least 24 hours after application.
How long does systemic insecticide last?
The length of time that systemic insecticide will last in the environment depends on its half-life, which can range from less than 16 days to over 60 days. The shorter the half-life, the less the insecticide is likely to build up after repeated applications.
How often should I apply systemic insecticide?
Generally, you should apply systemic insecticide every 30 to 60 days, depending on the weather and product label instructions. Regular reapplication is important to ensure that pests are kept away from your ornamental plants.
Can I apply systemic insecticide directly on plants?
Yes, you can apply systemic insecticide directly on plants. However, proper timing of application, treating the proper plant parts and adequate spray coverage are required for the best results.
Conclusion
Mealybugs can be an annoying problem, but with the right systemic insecticide, you can get rid of them quickly and effectively.
We hope this article has helped you choose the best systemic insecticide for mealybugs.
Be sure to read all label instructions carefully before use, and always exercise caution when handling these products. With the right product, you'll be well on your way to mealybug free plants!
