MauiSulcata
New Member
Aloha! We need to treat our yard for a horrible infestation of mealybugs - they are destroying all of our landscaping, plants, trees, garden, etc, including the edible plants (hibiscus and cactus) inside my tortoise enclosure. This bug is an invasive species where I live in Hawaii, which has a very delicate ecosystem and we have a responsibility to help control these invasive species to protect our environment. However, our yard is untreated and I am concerned about using anything that could be unsafe for our tortoise. The recommendation from the State of Hawaii Invasive Species Council is to spray the bug (on the infested plant) with a mixture of 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 quart liquid soap, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. The alcohol strips away the waxy coating on the bug so the soap can penetrate and kill it. Then you repeat every 3 days as necessary until all of the bugs are gone.
I am concerned about the alcohol and soap getting onto the grass and weeds that my tortoise grazes on. I'm not sure what to do as I have to get rid of these bugs. I am running a risk of not only being fined by our HOA because the infestation has spread from our yard to several neighbors and common areas, but the state environmental agency as well if I don't get the invasive species under control soon. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
I am concerned about the alcohol and soap getting onto the grass and weeds that my tortoise grazes on. I'm not sure what to do as I have to get rid of these bugs. I am running a risk of not only being fined by our HOA because the infestation has spread from our yard to several neighbors and common areas, but the state environmental agency as well if I don't get the invasive species under control soon. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!