scale-bugsScale bugs

Scale insects in ornamental plants – pest management

scale-insects-ornamental-plants

Scale insects (in ornamental plants) are a group of pests that includes several species protected by a waxy shield, which are part of two families: Diaspididae and Coccidae. The species of scale insects are differentiated by the color of the protective shield: from white-yellow to reddish-brown or yellow-brown. These pests feed on the cellular juice of the plants through the buccal apparatus (rostrum) adapted for stinging and sucking.

Attack detection

It can be identified by the presence of protective shields, with a round or oval shape, found on the surface of the plant organs (leaves, shoots, branches). They are motionless insects that can be removed manually, compared to other plants’ pests. They also secrete a transparent, sticky substance called “honeydew”, which promotes the appearance of sooty mold (which manifests itself as a black powder).

oleander-pests
scale-bugs-attack
palm-scale-insects
ornamental-plants-scale-insects
Attacked plants and damages

They are polyphagous pests, which attack several species of houseplants or ornamental trees and shrubs in the garden. They especially prefer oleander, cacti, laurel, ficus, citrus plants, roses, etc. Also, by stinging the host plants, the scale insect injects its toxic saliva and weakens its growth. Affected plants show slow, abnormal growth, drying out over time.

Control

Scale insects in ornamental plants in indoor places are constantly multiplying, all year round – being indoors, they are not affected by environmental factors, more precisely by the arrival of the cold season. This aspect makes it difficult to control the pest, being necessary to carry out several treatments, by alternating several insecticides.

For scale insects control, is recommended to carry out treatments with specific insecticides such as:

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

In order to favor the penetration of the insecticide through the wax shield, it is recommended to add an adjuvant in the treatment solution.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

A few days after the end of the treatments, it is recommended to apply special fertilizers to promote plant regeneration following the stress suffered.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • it is recommended an interval of 5-7 days between treatments.
  • it is very important to dose the insecticides according to the recommendations on the package. Not complying with the doses favors the appearance of resistant specimens.
  • in palm tree species, the attack of scale insects is similar to that of mealybugs. They are distinguished through the presence of the characteristic protective shield.
  • it is recommended that attacked plants be isolated for several weeks and treated.
×

We help you
to take care of your plants

If you haven't yet found solutions in our articles or previous discussions, start a new discussion and our experts will help you.

During working hours, our experts are ready to give you an answer within 2 hours.

New discussion about

Scale insects in ornamental plants – pest management
Scale insects in ornamental plants – pest management

Your information:

Your name must contain a maximum of 30 characters. If you would like to pass on the details of the problem you are facing, please complete the other fields.

The maximum document size is 59 MB.

Add
It helps if you attach some Images or Clips maximumm 15 sec


Want to know more?

Our specialists participate in the discussions of the armuro community with useful information and solutions.
If you want, you can start a discussion about the problem you are facing.
Read the discussions