# The Great Mealy Bug War: Bugs vs. Bugs

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-mealy-bug-war-bugs-vs-bugs/375076>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 3, 2006, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-mealy-bug-war-bugs-vs-bugs/375076 "2006-10-03T04:13:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-mealy-bug-war-bugs-vs-bugs/375076/1 "2006-10-03T04:13:40Z")

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I have a large collection of house plants, including an enclosed patio. One by one, my plants are becoming infested with mealy bugs. I’ve tried the q-tip-with-alcohol route, except I need a q-tip the size of a sheep. I’ve tried sprays. I’ve tried immersion in cold or hot water. Nothing works.

Now I’ve discovered this possible solution: [http://store.arbico-organics.com/1114701.html](http://store.arbico-organics.com/1114701.html). Has anyone tried these little critters? Do they really perform as advertised? Are they safe to be let loose indoors? Are they harmful if eaten by a kitty?

And finally, if they’re so great, why are they such a well-kept secret?

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**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2006, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-mealy-bug-war-bugs-vs-bugs/375076/2 "2006-10-03T06:19:27Z")

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I’ve never used predatory insects, but I have used [Safer’s Insecticidal Soap](http://www.treehelp.com/shopping/product-detail.asp?Product_ID=2212) on scale and mealy bugs. Worked great!