Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/13/2006

Question
I've had an aloe vera plant for about a year there are these white little parasite things on the leaves of my plant I wipe them off and they come back What are these parasite things and how do i get rid of them for good. they seem to be slowley killing my aloe vera by sucking all of the aloe out of the plant.

Answer
Dear Michlelle,

They sound like either white flies or mealy bugs, but mostly likely mealy bugs. Here is a website that has some answers for you:

http://www.succulents.co.za/succulent-plant-pests/mealy-bug.php

Hopefully this will help.

Sincerely,

Greg