Q&A for How to Get Rid of Scale Insects

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Are there any other ways to get rid of scale insects?

Brandon Runyon
Entomology and Pest Control Expert
Brandon Runyon is a board-certified Entomologist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has over 18 years of experience as a Pest Control professional, and is the Technical Director of Swat Pest Management. Swat Pest Management serves areas throughout Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, where they provide safe, cost-effective solutions for client’s pest control needs. He authored Bugged by Bugs: A Comprehensive Guide to Pest Control, a user-friendly guide to commercial pest control practices in hotels, restaurants, apartments, and offices. He graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Entomology, and received a MS in Entomology from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He also received an MBA from Western Governors University.

Brandon Runyon

Entomology and Pest Control Expert

Expert Answer

You can introduce natural predators as a highly effective method for controlling scale insects. Create an environment conducive to these predators, such as lacewings, parasitic wasps, soldier beetles, and ladybugs. For instance, releasing lacewings into an infested area can significantly reduce scale and small fly populations. Ladybugs, known for their voracious appetite for aphids, are particularly beneficial. It's crucial to utilize local predators to avoid disrupting the ecosystem by introducing non-native species. Embracing natural predators aligns with a holistic and environmentally friendly approach to controlling your pests at home.

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Question

Will the scales die off in the winter, or do I have to spray?

Pokemonmaster7

Community Answer

You have to spray the plant in winter because some scales will survive the cold.

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Question

What are insects whose damage looks like soot?

Community Answer

It's mold. The mold grows on the sappy excrement from the scale insects. It's called sooty mold. Use dormant oil.

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Question

I have a large hedge with scale, can I use a watering can instead of using a spray?

Community Answer

It's important to get to the tops and bottoms of the leaves and the stems, and a watering can will only get the top surface. Better to use a spray bottle or attach a spray bottle that's made to go onto a hose.

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Question

Will scales attack peace lily or aloe vera plants?

Community Answer

They can really attack anything in your garden, including peace lilies or aloe vera plants.

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Question

Can scaled insects live and breed in carpeting inside a house?

Community Answer

Since they need plants to survive, this would be very unusual.

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Question

Is it safe to eat the plums off a tree that has scale insects?

Community Answer

It should be fine as long as you thoroughly wash the plums first.

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Question

How do I get rid of scale on trees?

Community Answer

Spray it with diluted 100% Neem Oil, using 2 tablespoons of oil to 1 gallon of water, shaking well whilst spraying all parts of the plant. You should repeat the treatment weekly until it is clear of scale. Spray the soil around the plant too. Spray when the weather is mild and dry. Don't spray when the plant is in flower, or when the weather is very hot.

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Question

Is the scale a fungus or an insect?

Community Answer

Insect. Return to the beginning of the article. It describes them in Method 1.

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Question

How do I tell which scale insects are which?

Community Answer

If you let the infestation continue until the plant dies, then it’s the deadly kind (armored scales). If the plant doesn’t die, but the infestation worsens, it’s the soft scale variety. And during the time you wait, other plants might become infested as well. Whatever the type, get rid of the insects as soon as you are aware of their presence.

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Question

How can you tell if the scales are dead, and if they are will they fall off on their own?

Community Answer

They are clearly a different colour from live ones. Usually light brown or tan. They will also fall off like flakes and have no attachment to the plant, unlike live ones.

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Question

I think I have scale insects on a Euphorbia Mellifera, do I cut the whole plant down?

Community Answer

Euphorbias don't like being cut at the best of times, so avoid injury and attack the scales with oil. Neem and Rape-seed oils are usually effective. If you can brush off as many adults as possible that would really help - you can blast them with a hose too.

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