White Lumpy Thing With Ants On My Lime Tree, Help

Question

Pictures are attached, I would like to get rid of it.

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Answer 1

That looks like a bad mealybug infestation. They are quite difficult to rid. The ants are feeding from the excretions of, both, the tree and the insects.

I would recommend removing as much of the cottony masses, by hand, as possible. After, you can take a q-tip and swab some alcohol on the remaining spots, and where they were attached previously.

Then you can spray with an insecticide to remove any eggs, or stragglers that have not attached yet.

These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/what-are-organic-pesticides.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/problems-lime-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/lime-tree-tips-care-of-lime-trees.htm