Aha! I didn't know they were inside the plant. Would something like this product work?
Thanks. I'll buy those granules. Is this what you buy?
Yeah, maybe the issue was the soil, I didn't think of that. I just left the plant in the soil it came with and did not repot it.
I know the plant was bone dry before I watered, and I watered it by soaking it until water poured out of the holes on the bottom, then I left it in a tray for a few hours and eventually put it back in its pot. It wasn't sitting in water so I didn't expect it to be a moisture issue since the plant was totally dry before watering. I'll keep an eye out. Thanks
This is your best bet: Bonide Systemic Insect Control Granules, 1 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX1HJY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_SMQN8HZ38PBQ3B1EWBT2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's pretty nuclear, but it also does the absolute best job of killing all insects that feed on the plant, and it will prevent any eggs that hatch in the soil from reinfecting the plants.
It will kill pollenators who utilize the plants, so avoid using it on garden plants, but monsteras flower so infrequently that it's hardly an issue.
I've used it on an "incurable" scale infection on an orchid, and I use it when I put all of my tropicals away in my greenhouse for the winter after something defoliated my plumeria and my string of hearts.
Kill it with fire! Jk. I just really hate mealy bugs. I would use a q-tip with rubbing alcohol and just wipe it off. I’ve tried the sprays and such and they personally didn’t work for my outdoor plants. They sell a grey powder on Amazon that you can put in your soil every 2 months and it’s done wonders to keep mealy bastards away from my plants.
Bonide (BND952) - Insect Control Systemic Granules, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (1 lb.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX1HJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xAqFEb31JEZJ8
Bonide 952 037321009528 Systemic Insect Control Granules, 1 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX1HJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XCCBEF69PG8CK7PW9AJP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can treat most plants with Imidacloprid (a systemic pesticide) or Spinosad, but those may not be effective since they're not miticides. If you have the money for it, Avid miticide is highly recommended. It'll cost you $90, but it will last you a long time too. I'm assuming you're not growing any edible plants, or anything you'd smoke either. Spinosad is okay for those, but the other products aren't.
Helpful reddit post about pesticides and common pests: https://www.reddit.com/r/plantclinic/comments/j38gsm/pesticides\_101\_how\_to\_effectively\_treat\_most/
I say this to everyone who posts about pests on the plant subs. Go on Amazon (or where ever) and get yourself some Bonide systemic granules. You just sprinkle 1 tsp per 4” diameter of pot onto the soil and water it lightly. The pesticide seeps into the soil where it 1) kills any eggs or larvae below the surface, and 2) is absorbed by the plant’s roots and into the whole plant. It will kill pests who try to eat any part of the plant. It also lasts for 6+ weeks so if you treat all your plants you can prevent the pests from jumping back and forth between them.
I had a huge pest problem last year (fungus gnats, white flies, mealy bugs, and spider mites all at once), and I tried a bunch of treatments (I’ll list them below), but once I used the granules all of the bugs were 100% gone within 2 weeks and I didn’t lose a single plant.
Other remedies I’ve tried that didn’t work and why:
I haven’t had any pest issues in about a year since I used the granules. It’s super easy to apply, not messy, long lasting, broadly effective, and non-damaging to the plants.
PS, if you decide to go with the Bonide, the granules kind of form a cap over the surface of the soil, it’s not a problem but it can make it difficult to see if the soil is still damp down the line. If you have some disposable chopsticks or something you won’t ever use for anything else you can stir the granules into the top ¼” - ½” of soil. It’s not anymore or less effective I just find it looks nicer.
Bonide (BND952) - Insect Control Systemic Granules, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (1 lb.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BX1HJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FJZYEVZHXDMRM5CJY9TC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1