That is the result of cochineal, a scale insect.Hi! My prickly pear cactus was so happy over the summer (Southern California), but I found it looking pale with these little white spots on it! Anyone know what is wrong with it?
Should I just get rid of it? Is it safe to feed to my tort?That is the result of cochineal, a scale insect.
Yes! They have been used for dyeing for centuries!Man, this is a fascinating little bug. People purposely infect their cactus pads to grow these critters. Who knew?
Cochineal - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Its sadly normal. I HATE those damn bugs and I've been looking for a way to safely get rid of them for a decade. I don't feel comfortable using any kind of insecticide, or even soapy water because cactus roots are close to the surface and a thirsty cactus is going to suck up whatever moisture his the ground near it.Hi! My prickly pear cactus was so happy over the summer (Southern California), but I found it looking pale with these little white spots on it! Anyone know what is wrong with it?
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A strong blast of cold water can help. Also some water and dish detergent in a spray bottle can combat them.Can you control them with soapy water spray?
Why are you concerned about the soapy water?Its sadly normal. I HATE those damn bugs and I've been looking for a way to safely get rid of them for a decade. I don't feel comfortable using any kind of insecticide, or even soapy water because cactus roots are close to the surface and a thirsty cactus is going to suck up whatever moisture his the ground near it.
The bugs won't harm your tortoise at all, but they will harm your cactus. The only way I've been able to control them is with a hose. I spray them all off about once a week. If you stay after it, they won't be much of a problem at all. Let it go for a month or two, and they will look like your picture.
Because the cactus plants take it all up with their roots, and then its in the pads. I don't want the tortoises eating that.Why are you concerned concerned about the soapy water?
I only ever use the tiniest amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid, and it is the product that they use to clean animals after an oil spill. That leads me to believe that it is not detrimental to animal health.Because the cactus plants take it all up with their roots, and then its in the pads. I don't want the tortoises eating that.
You might be right, but its not a risk I'm willing to take knowing what I know about cactus and tortoises.I only ever use the tiniest amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid, and it is the product that they use to clean animals after an oil spill. That leads me to believe that it is not detrimental to animal health.
I would use a q-tip and rubbing alcohol get each one individuallyThis looks like the same plague that took over my Hibiscus bushes a few years ago.
I have a ton of hibiscus.I would use a q-tip and rubbing alcohol get each one individually
Actually, I replied about cactus, hibiscus prolly has meanly bugs...I would use a q-tip and rubbing alcohol get each one individually
lololol I meant mealy bugs not mean onesActually, I replied about cactus, hibiscus prolly has meanly bugs...