Mealybugs leave cottony masses where leaves join stems. To prevent outbreaks, you should clean plants regularly with soapy water. To eliminate mealybugs, dab the bugs with cotton swabs saturated in rubbing alcohol. Then rinse or wipe off the alcohol with warm water. Use malathion or organic sprays for severe infestations. Repeat the treatment every seven to 10 days until all of the mealybugs are destroyed.
