How to Treat Scales on Plants
The appearance of scales on a plant, shrub or tree can only mean one thing: a scale insect infestation. These hardy little insects attach themselves to plants and trees, siphoning off nutrients and forming tough shells over their bodies. One scale insect quickly becomes many, often leading to the stunting or death of the plant. Managing these little pests and healing the damage done is an easy matter, often resolved in just a few treatments. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Alcohol
- Water
- Liquid dish soap
- Spray bottle or pump sprayer
- Horticultural oil
Instructions
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Locate areas of infestation. As babies, the scale insects are extremely difficult to spot. Instead, look for evidence of adult insects. They will appear to be bumps or blisters on the branches, twigs or stems of your plant. You may find yellowing leaves, and even honeydew, a very sticky, sweet substance produced by the insects. This honeydew often attracts ants, another tell-tale sign of infestation. Make note of the infested areas. This will help you chart your progress as you eradicate the insects.
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Treat with a home-made solution of alcohol, water and liquid dish soap. Mix one cup of alcohol with eight cups of water and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle or pump sprayer and saturate the entire plant from the leaves to the base of the trunk. Repeat this treatment every two days for a week.
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Treat the plant with horticultural oil. In the event that you have a very stubborn or excessively widespread infestation, this type of oil will work quickly to save the life of the plant. Horticultural oils are available at hardware stores and nurseries. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting and applying the oil to the letter. These types of oils, if misused, can cause serious damage to the plant.
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Check the progress of pest management after completion of all treatments. Rinse the plant thoroughly with cool water, including the leaves, and wipe the stems and branches to remove dead scale insects. If necessary, re-treat the plant to ensure a successful eradication.
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