Size:
1/16th to 1/8 inch.
Colors: Shades of red, brown, gray and white. Life cycle: < 60 days.
Mouth parts: Sucking
Transportation: People and pets may transport Scale
indoors. Some can fly and others crawl to a new host.
Pictured:
Florida Red Scale
General
Houseplant Pest information: There are over 7300 species of armored and
soft bodied Scale. Fortunately we only see a few types on house
plants. Florida red scale (pictured), soft brown scale and oyster
shell scale, to name a few.
Signs of infection: Look for
circular yellow spots showing thru the foliage. Scale insects
produce a clear sticky substance called "Honey Dew" that
may be on the foliage near the scale. Keep any eye out for round
or oblong shell like groups of spots on the under side of foliage
or on growing stems.
Control: Scale is very difficult to control. If
your plant is severely infected, discard it and purchase a
replacement as it is unlikely you will win the battle.
If your infestation is light try picking or
dislodging the insects from the foliage being careful not to drop
them on the soil. Next... try smothering them by spraying with
Safer's Ultra Fine Oil spray. Systemic granules won't really help
with eliminating scale especially if the plant has large woody
stems.
For other chemical controls of houseplant bugs and pests call or visit one of our
sponsors, or order this excellent indoor/outdoor pest and disease reference book
for other eco-friendly solutions.
for other eco-friendly solutions.
