my house plants have white hairy little bugs on it. what is the name of it and how can I get rid of it?

Answer 1

THE ARE MEALY BUGS, JUST MAKE A MIXTURE OF SOAPY WATER AND SPRAY THE LEAVES, IT WILL KILL THEM AND IS TOTALLY HARMLESS TO YOU AND YOUR SURR0UNDINGS

Answer 2

Depends on what kind they are. If they're little white flying things, they're white flies. If they're little fuzzy lumps with white powder on them, they're mealy bugs. The best way to start is to use a fine spray from a hose nozzle to blast the bugs away. This also removes the powdery residue from the mealy bugs and the sap or "honeydew" left by the white flies (which also causes mold to form). But, you might have to remove some of the more stubborn mealy bugs manually with tweezers. Make sure to get the undersides of leaves and all crevices (like between the leaf stems and the branches). You can then use a standard water based household pest spray. Or you can use a solution of about one tablespoon of dish washing liquid in a gallon of water (or equivalent concentration) to spray on the plant - this works as an insecticide soap. Just keep an eye on the plant and repeat the application as necessary if they reappear.

Answer 3

As mentioned with a previous writer's, rather complete answer, these are mealy bugs. The insecticidal soap is often the most useful and simple treatment. It breaks down the waxy coating, but gives the added advantage of helping to clean the plants.

The fuzzy stage is virtually unique to the mealy bug pests and means you're dealing with adult stage. The adults tend to be completely stationary in most species. The additional advantage of the soap is it's ability to help eliminate the young, small, crawler stage that often goes unnoticed.

Regardless, the important thing is to break the life cycle at any of the development stages in order to achieve control.

Regards the cigarette solution, it's real. The nicotine in the tobacco is one of the more powerful natural insecticides. If you choose to use this method, be careful that the solution isn't too strong. Testing a part of the plant for sensitivity is wise, but be prepared to wait 3-5 days to be sure that you've observed any slowly developing damage. Also, be aware that nicotine, when concentrated, is a deadly poison to pets and humans, as well.

As a clarification, aphids do not have a fuzzy appearance. Whiteflies are very active and do readily take flight.
To repeat, "The fuzzy stage is virtually unique to the mealy bug pests."

Answer 4

White Hairy Bug

Answer 5

This is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed insects on houseplants. The white fuzzy blobs on your houseplant leaves are not a fungus – they are an insect.

Mealy bugs are white, soft-bodied insects that suck plant juices They are often found nestled in the nooks and crannies of your plants, where it's hard to spray. Most commonly they attack the new growth and therefore are usually found near the growing tips, and where leaves join stems or along leaf veins. The bug itself is covered with white, waxy threads that protect them from predators and give them the fuzzy appearance.

There are numerous generations per year. Hot dry conditions favour reproduction of mealy bugs. The damage caused by mealy bugs is usually yellow leaves that drop prematurely. There may also be a sticky substance on other leaves.

Control: Proper light, water, and fertilizer keep a plant more pest resistant. Try to be consistent in your care, and check bug-prone plants regularly. As these insects are under a protective hairy covering, direct contact with a pesticide is difficult.

In severe cases, prune and discard infected portions of the plant
Repeated applications of insecticidal soap can effectively control mealy bug populations. Spray the plant thoroughly every 5 to 7 days for 4 weeks. This is required to control the pest in all stages of growth.
For smaller infestations, dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this procedure every week until the bugs are gone. Make sure to test the soap and alcohol mixtures on a small portion of the plant prior to full application because some plants may be sensitive to soap or alcohol

PS Its not Aphids, they come in green black and yellow colors. Here is a link for you.

Answer 6

They are called Mealy bugs And are in the Scale family. It depends on what kind of plant you have as to what type of insecticide you use to get rid of them.Alcohol on a cotton swap will do if there's not an infestation.

Answer 7

Little white flies. I find them more in the summer when it is warm, and my plants are really wet. Try to water them less, but more often. They do make sprays for them, but I have found the best to use are the ones meant for vegetables and garden plants:) Hope this helped & good luck! Tis the season

Answer 8

The best way to get little bugs out of your houseplants are to use cigarettes. I know it sounds weird but it works all the time. You unroll a cigarette, soak the insides in water and water you plants with it. It is safe on your plants and gets rid of the bugs.

Answer 9

I don't know which one it is -- but maybe a picture would help -- http://www.thebugblaster.com/images/testimonialLG.jpg white and hairy kind of looks like the third picture -- mealy bugs -- yuckers -- now how do you get rid of those little monsters -- got to google -- brb -- http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/bugs.htm -- I like to try home remedies first -- HOME REMEDIES:

DISH SOAP AND WARM WATER (about 1 Tablespoon per pint)

RUBBING ALCOHOL (and about 1/2 teaspoon soap)

MURPHY'S OIL SOAP, AMWAY LOC SOAP, PEPPERMINT SOAP

CHEYENNE PEPPER, TABASCO, JALAPENO JUICE, GARLIC EXTRACT

NOTE: These home remedies are diluted with water, usually. You will have to experiment to see what works, and to see what is gentle on the plant.

Answer 10

Do they have tiny little wings? If so, they are whiteflies, and pretty common. You can get treatments off the shelf at the home/garden store.
Here is a link with some other ideas on how to get rid of them:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2005/jan/jan0512.html

Answer 11

Sound like aphids. You can get a spray at any greenhouse or plant department that will kill the bugs. The same spray will also kill spider mites.