ASK DIARMUID

Q Are these bugs mealybugs? They have infested two hydrangeas which I have destroyed, and now I have found them on a camellia. Please let me know how I can control them before they take over.

Colin Button

A Yes those white fluffy blobs are mealybug. This is a sap-sucking insect which does affect the vigour of a plant and it looks like they have moved onto your camellia. Your best bet is to try to remove each and every one of them by hand.

A cotton bud soaked in alcohol is a good method to rub them off.

Keep vigilant next summer and remove any as they appear before they proliferate. You can also spray with horticultural oil or organic pesticide to maintain control.