Scale
LITTLE BUGGER
Scale insects cling to your plant’s stems or leaf undersides, depleting your plant of nutrients.
Unlike mealybugs or aphids, scale do not crawl around much once they latch on, so you might mistake them for growths or crusty spots. If those bumps don’t wipe away easily (or at all), you’re likely dealing with scale!
More dome-shaped and slightly waxy in appearance. These types often secrete honeydew, which can lead to mold on your plant.
Despite their name, these are more flat and shell-like in appearance. They do not produce honeydew and are more difficult to remove with sprays.
Removal Methods
Scale often lays eggs beneath their shell. Keep an eye on your plant for recurring bumps and re-treat if necessary.
Select one method and give it a little time. If the bugs are still hanging around, try another. Patience is key!
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Gently scrape off scale using a cotton swab, toothbrush or toothpick.
Wipe the area with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining eggs.
Always spot-test first to make sure the alcohol does not harm or burn your plant.
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If a pest infestation gets out of control, sometimes you have to literally cut your losses.
Carefully trim any plant parts with large, crusty clusters of scale.
Bag up the clippings and dispose in the trash - do NOT compost!
Follow up with another removal method to target any stragglers.
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Please read our Heads Up! on horticultural oil before using these methods.
Spray (best for larger infestations):
Use a ready-to-spray horticultural oil or mix a concentrate with water (per label instructions).
Pour into a spray bottle and shake well.
Spray affected areas, covering stems and leaf undersides.
Continue to scrape off any scale you see and continue to spray every few days until scale are gone.
Swab (best for spot treatment or light infestations):
Dip a cotton swab or small paint brush into undiluted horticultural oil.
Dab the oil directly onto each scale insect, fully coating them.
Check back in a few days - if they have shriveled or flaked off, you have succeeded!
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If you can, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings or parasitic wasps to feed on your plants. They naturally prey on scale!
(This works best for outdoor plants or greenhouses.) -
Take the plant to a sink, shower, or outside.
Use a firm spray to dislodge early-stage crawling scale.
Repeat every few days until the pests are gone.
Less effective once scale has matured and latched on.
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Always spot test first before full commitment! Avoid spraying in direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Use a ready-to-spray insecticidal soap or mix a concentrate with water (per label instructions).
Spray the entire plant, focusing on heavily infested areas. The soap must make direct contact with the scale to work!
Repeat every few days until the scale are gone.
