What Insecticide Kills Scale?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When the scale feed on the sap, they ingest the toxic insecticide and are killed.

Acephate, imidacloprid and dinotefuran

are three commonly used systemic insecticides that are effective against scale. Treatment involves pouring the mixed insecticide at the base of the plant.

How do I get rid of scale on my plants?

Remove existing scale on houseplants by

rubbing gently with a facial-quality sponge or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol

. The alcohol alone should kill the scale, but the dead insects will remain on your plants and make it difficult for you to scout for new infestations.

How do I get rid of Juniper scale?

The Juniper scale can be controlled either by an

application of horticultural oil in early April

, or a late spring-early summer spray. Apply horticultural oil in early April, before new growth starts, when temperature is over 40°F. Treat from 22- 148 GDD* or when pussy willow is in bloom.

How do I get rid of palm scales?

Typical treatment for palm scale is to repeatedly spray the palm tree leaves with horticultural oil or

a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water mixed with some bleach-free dish soap

. If you have the patience, you can paint straight rubbing alcohol onto each scale individually. Neem oil sprays may also help.

How do you get rid of scale on plants naturally?

  1. To get rid of scale insects prune and dispose of infested branches, twigs and leaves.
  2. When scale numbers are low they may be rubbed or picked off of plants by hand.
  3. Dabbing individual pests with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab or neem-based leaf shine will also work when infestations are light.

What is the life cycle of scale insect?

Life Cycle

Scale insects have

three distinct life stages

(egg, immature, adult) and may complete several generations in a single year. Adult females produce eggs beneath the scale covering or in a cottony material, and in many cases spend the cold winter months in this stage.

What is the best systemic insecticide?

Our top pick for the best pesticide is

the Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench

. A highly all-round pesticide, this easy-to-use concentrate is an excellent choice to target and destroy all types of pests.

How do you treat black scale on plants?

If you only have a small amount of scale, scrape it off with a fingernail or toothbrush. Larger infestations can be controlled by spraying with an oil to suffocate them. Make the oil spray by

blending two cups of vegetable oil with one cup of pure liquid soap

, and mix it until it turns white.

How did my plant get scale?

Scales

spread from plant to plant as newly hatched crawlers

, which are very tiny, have legs and can move around. Crawlers are fairly easily controlled with commonly available contact insecticides. Unfortunately, scale crawlers are hard to detect. Most gardeners never notice them and miss the opportunity for control.

What does scale look like on a plant?

Scale varies in color, shape, and size, but most often appears as

small, brown, rounded lumps on your plant’s leaves and stems

. … Scale are only mobile in the first moments of their life, until they permanently latch onto the plants foliage.

What is the white stuff on palm trees?

Some palm trees, such as Pygmy date palms, have waxy surfaces which appear as tiny white spots on the leaves. This is normal and is nothing to worry about. More plump, white “spots” that are slightly raised point to

a scale insect infestation

. A common critter that attacks sago palms is the cycad scale.

Can you drown scale insects?

After all, spraying with horticultural oils works by suffocation. I decided to submerge

my whole Bay Laurel in water

for a while to drown the scale insects. … I got a 5 gallon bucket, taped a plastic bag around the pot to keep the soil in, and turned in upside down in the water, submerging the entire foliage and trunk.

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on palm trees?

I’ve had excellent results treating

crown rot

in my palms using Hydrogen Peroxide.

Where do scale pests come from?

Scale bugs can be

found indoors or outdoors

. Finding scale inside generally means that you brought an infested plant indoors. It’s easy to spread them to other houseplants, so check your plants carefully! A plant which is suffering from scale infestation may show signs of premature leaf drop or yellowed leaves.

What is Cactus scale?


Diaspis echinocacti

This scale is common on cactus both outdoors and indoors. The infestation may be so heavy that the entire surface appears gray and crusty. The scale lays eggs in the spring. In late spring, the young scales, called crawlers, settle on other parts of the plant.

Do ladybugs eat scale?

Use: Ladybugs prefer to eat aphids and will devour up to 50 a day, but they will also attack scale, mealy bugs, boil worms, leafhopper, and corn ear worm. They

dine only on insects

and do not harm vegetation in any way.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.