Scaley Insects on House Plants
Scale insects take their name from the scaley cover on their bodies. These insects, which feed on the sap of plants, are one of the hardest pests to control. Female scale insects can lay as many as a thousand eggs that eventually hatch into tiny insects called "crawlers," which infect plants. These crawlers eventually find one area on a house plant where they feed for their entire lives. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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Scale insects have brown or tan shell-like coverings used to protect their bodies. While some scales have a hemispherical shape, others are more oval or flat. Scales feeding on the sap of house plants can cause plant growth to be poor and stunted. In severe cases they can cause the death of an infected plant.
Types
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Scale insects fall into three categories: armored scales, soft scales and mealybugs. Armored scales, one of the most destructive types of insects, secrete coverings over their bodies. They're called armored scales because they live under these coverings which looks like a plate of armor. These scales range in size from 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch long, according to the the University of Florida Extension website. Although soft scales also secrete waxy coverings, these are not an important part of their bodies. They vary in size, color and shape, ranging from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch wide. Mealybugs are easily recognizable by the small turfs of wooly, white material they produce. They are yellowish-white and usually don't attack woody ornamental houseplants.
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Symptoms
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Because these sneaky pests often creep into a plant and overtake it without much notice, it is important to regularly check houseplants for signs of their presence. The stems and undersides of houseplant leaves should be examined for thread or shell-shaped insects that have a waxy white or brown covering. A serious infestation looks like lumpy blisters on stems and leaf undersides. This eventually results in affected fronds or leaves turning yellow and dropping off.
Controlling Scales
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Scale insects should be gently removed from leaves, stems or fronds, using a soft brush. Old toothbrushes work well for tough plants. If a house plant is heavily infested, it should be sprayed with an insecticide in a well ventilated area. Once the spray dries, plants should be rinsed with clear, lukewarm water. It is important to check for any signs of recurring infestations for any repeated treatments that may be necessary.
Warning
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Honeydew secretions can create a shiny, sticky mess not only on a plant, but also on floors and furniture. What's worse, a black fungus, known as sooty mold, can grow on honeydew. Plastic tarp sheeting can be used to protect furniture, rugs and floors. Infested plants should be discarded so scales do not spread to other house plants.
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References
- Photo Credit leaf. houseplant. begonias image by joanna wnuk from Fotolia.com
