Pest identification
What's eating my fire barrel cactus?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in the woolly areoles and rib grooves; dull colouration and slowed growth
Control: Work isopropyl alcohol into wooly patches with a fine brush; repeat weekly; quarantine from other cacti
Scale insects
Signs: Raised brown or tan shells along ribs; sticky honeydew and secondary sooty mold
Control: Scrape off, then apply horticultural oil or neem spray every two weeks for two months
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and stippled discolouration on stem body in hot, low-humidity conditions
Control: Rinse with a forceful water spray; apply insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Keep fire barrel cactus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Fire Barrel Cactus pests — FAQ
What is eating my fire barrel cactus?
Fire Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus pilosus) is a large outdoor/greenhouse specimen susceptible to mealybugs nestling in its notably woolly areoles, and to scale insects along the ribs. Spider mites attack in dry conditions. In outdoor gardens, rodents may gnaw the base. The dense red spines deter most larger browsers.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on fire barrel cactus?
White cottony deposits in the woolly areoles and rib grooves; dull colouration and slowed growth Work isopropyl alcohol into wooly patches with a fine brush; repeat weekly; quarantine from other cacti
How do I get rid of scale insects on fire barrel cactus?
Raised brown or tan shells along ribs; sticky honeydew and secondary sooty mold Scrape off, then apply horticultural oil or neem spray every two weeks for two months
How do I get rid of spider mites on fire barrel cactus?
Fine webbing and stippled discolouration on stem body in hot, low-humidity conditions Rinse with a forceful water spray; apply insecticidal soap; improve air circulation