Pest identification
What's eating my bunny ears cactus?
Cochineal scale (Dactylopius spp.)
Signs: Bright white or pinkish cottony masses on pad surfaces; when crushed, they leave a vivid red stain; infested pads yellow and shrink.
Control: Scrub off with a stiff brush and soapy water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; a strong jet of water also dislodges them effectively.
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy clusters at pad joints and among glochids; sticky honeydew; pads look dusty white and may yellow.
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray diluted neem oil over the entire pad surface; wear gloves to avoid glochid contact during treatment.
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or gray hard bumps dotting the pad surface; weakened growth; sooty mold on honeydew deposits.
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil; repeat every 2 weeks until clear.
Keep bunny ears cactus pest-free
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Bunny ears cactus pests — FAQ
What is eating my bunny ears cactus?
Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is susceptible to mealybugs sheltering among the glochid (tiny spine) clusters, and to scale insects on the flat pads. Spider mites occur occasionally, and cochineal scale — a bright red mealybug relative — specifically targets Opuntia pads. Overwatered plants are also prone to root rot.
How do I get rid of cochineal scale (dactylopius spp.) on bunny ears cactus?
Bright white or pinkish cottony masses on pad surfaces; when crushed, they leave a vivid red stain; infested pads yellow and shrink. Scrub off with a stiff brush and soapy water; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; a strong jet of water also dislodges them effectively.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on bunny ears cactus?
White waxy clusters at pad joints and among glochids; sticky honeydew; pads look dusty white and may yellow. Dab with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray diluted neem oil over the entire pad surface; wear gloves to avoid glochid contact during treatment.
How do I get rid of scale insects on bunny ears cactus?
Brown or gray hard bumps dotting the pad surface; weakened growth; sooty mold on honeydew deposits. Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with horticultural oil; repeat every 2 weeks until clear.