Lethal temperatures to bugs?
 

Hi, all,

I have a potted mini I recently brought in that has a small mealy bug
infestation (1 unopened rose bud, 1 leaf bud.) The temp now in NYC
ranges from 40-60F.

I had brought the pot inside during the three consecutive days it hit
freezing. That must have brought on some eggs to hatch.

I wonder how low a temp the mealybugs can withstand. I wish to have
temperature kill the sapsuckers instead of spraying chemicals on my
dear mini. Don't want to damage the plant, though.

I realize eggs can withstand freezing temps, and that some bugs burrow
to survive. But I just want to freeze out the recent infestation.
What temps are ideal to do so without hurting said mini?

Lethal temperatures to bugs?
 

To be absolutely certain spray/rub
w/ vegetable oil. Smothers eggs
and won't hurt plant.

I know people keep recommending it
but I have never had a good experience w/
switching plants between indoors and outdoors
on a weekly basis. For 3 months in summer
maybe, but not otherwise. The couple of times I've tried it
I ran into all the problems you now see.

Diseases and insects kept getting imported from
the outside, the switch between cold and warm
stops growth and blooming and it also hurt my back.

Theo

"Amy Chan" wrote in message
om...
Hi, all,

I have a potted mini I recently brought in that has a small mealy bug
infestation (1 unopened rose bud, 1 leaf bud.) The temp now in NYC
ranges from 40-60F.

I had brought the pot inside during the three consecutive days it hit
freezing. That must have brought on some eggs to hatch.

I wonder how low a temp the mealybugs can withstand. I wish to have
temperature kill the sapsuckers instead of spraying chemicals on my
dear mini. Don't want to damage the plant, though.

I realize eggs can withstand freezing temps, and that some bugs burrow
to survive. But I just want to freeze out the recent infestation.
What temps are ideal to do so without hurting said mini?