Other Symptoms Leaves pale . They appear yellow or grayish in color. Leaves wilt . They may appear translucent brown with a soft, jelly-like consistency. Not flowering .
Plant growth is slow .
Treatment First, isolate the affected plants, especially if they share a common watering tray with other, healthy plants. Although Soil Mealy Bugs do not spread easily, they will travel over moist surfaces. While this treatment does work, it usually takes several applications over a period of days. Moreover, there is usually some risk to plants when using any chemical treatment. A promising alternative to chemical treatments has been found in the use of Diatomaceous Earth, a fully inert, non-volatile substance that has proven effective in eradicating certain insect pests.