Find out how to get rid of scale insect pests. These bumplike pests will suck plant sap and can kill plants. They are brown, black, gray, white or tan and attach to foliage, stems and trunks. Their feeding creates a sticky residue that can attract black sooty mold. Leaves also become yellowed and mottled when scale insect pests are feeding. Find out how to get rid of these pests and save your plants.
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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors! If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below. Today, I am going to talk to you about scale insect pests—how to spot them, what to do, and how to get rid of them.
This arrowhead plant here is showing signs of scale insect infestation. Not sure how it contracted scale, as I don’t have other plants in my collection with it, but here we are. The good news is that I can show you what it looks like. You can see these bumps on the front of the plant leaf, along the veining in the midrib and throughout the leaf; they’re also visible on the stem.
Scale can range in color from whitish tan to a darker brown and sometimes even black, depending on the variety. This particular infestation is a lighter color, but remember, scale can appear in various shades. Infected plants often display yellowing leaves, as seen here. The leaves may look dappled or mottled with green and yellow patches. This is a sign that scale insects have been feeding on the foliage, extracting the chlorophyll, which results in this damage.
Another common sign of scale infestation is the sticky substance left on the leaves, a byproduct of their feeding. This sticky substance can lead to black mold, often seen as a gray or blackish layer on leaves. If you notice these signs, it’s time to address the issue promptly.
I’ve isolated this plant from the others in my collection to prevent the spread of the scale. Today, I’ll show you what to do if you find scale on your plants. First, before spraying with neem oil, remove any leaves that you won’t be keeping. When disposing of infected foliage, place it in a plastic bag to prevent further spread. Be cautious not to leave any infested leaves near other plants, as scale insects can easily transfer.
Begin by trimming off leaves that display heavy infestation. If you see severely affected areas on a plant, it can be beneficial to prune those sections out to control the spread of the infestation. Remember not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time, or even one-quarter if the plant is stressed. Over-pruning can further weaken a plant, especially one already stressed by pests.
Once you’ve removed the infested parts, neem oil is an effective solution for treating scale. Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, is useful for smothering scale and inhibiting reproduction. It works on multiple levels, disrupting feeding and stopping egg production. When mixing neem oil, follow the label directions closely. Some instructions suggest adding a small amount of dish soap to help the oil spread, but I recommend using a proper spreader or surfactant, as it’s designed for this purpose and won’t leave a messy residue.
Use warm water to mix neem oil and shake it well before applying to ensure the solution is well-mixed. When treating a medium infestation, like the one on this arrowhead plant, apply the neem oil multiple times. Begin with an initial application, and let it sit for a day. Afterward, rinse the plant with a strong but gentle spray of water, which should help wash off any loose scale insects.
Scale insects can be stubborn, so you may need to repeat the application process three times or more. It’s important to be consistent. Treat the plant every one to two weeks, as going too long between treatments allows any missed scale to mature and continue the infestation.
While neem oil can smell strong, it’s an organic treatment that’s generally safe indoors. However, if the odor becomes too much, do the treatment outside or in a well-ventilated area. Remember to wear a mask if needed, as inhaling too much isn’t ideal, even for organic products.
After a few treatments, if the infestation persists, consider repotting the plant, but only after treating it at least twice to kill off eggs. When you do repot, avoid soil contamination by keeping eggs from falling into the new soil, as this could restart the infestation.
Finally, once you’ve treated the plant, monitor new growth, especially unfurling leaves, for any signs of reinfestation. This allows for spot treatments as needed. After completing the process, I’ll place this plant outside to air out before bringing it back indoors.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Don’t forget to hit the bell for notifications on new videos.
FAQ: Dealing with Scale Insects on Houseplants
What are scale insects and how can I identify them on houseplants?
Scale insects are small pests that appear as bumps on plant leaves and stems. They vary in color from whitish tan to dark brown or black and can cause yellowing and mottled patches on leaves due to feeding damage.
What are signs that a houseplant has a scale infestation?
Signs include bumps on leaves and stems, yellowing or mottling of leaves, sticky residue on leaves, and the appearance of black mold, which grows on the sticky substance left behind by feeding scale insects.
How should I isolate a plant infested with scale insects?
Move the infested plant away from other plants to prevent the spread of scale insects. This will help to contain the infestation and protect healthy plants in your collection.
What steps should I take to treat a plant with a scale insect infestation?
First, prune heavily infested leaves and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag. Then, apply neem oil to smother the scale insects and inhibit reproduction. Make sure to follow neem oil mixing instructions carefully, using warm water and a surfactant or spreader if recommended.
How often should I apply neem oil to treat scale insects?
For a medium infestation, apply neem oil initially, then rinse the plant after a day. Repeat treatments every one to two weeks, performing a total of at least three applications to control the infestation effectively.
Should I consider repotting a plant with a persistent scale infestation?
Yes, if the infestation persists, repot the plant after at least two neem oil treatments to kill eggs. When repotting, prevent eggs from falling into the new soil to avoid re-infestation.
Can neem oil be used safely indoors?
Yes, neem oil is an organic treatment, but it has a strong odor. To avoid discomfort, apply neem oil in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and wear a mask if necessary.
How can I prevent scale insects from returning to my houseplants?
Consistent treatment and monitoring of the plant for signs of reinfestation are essential. Check new growth, especially unfurling leaves, for any lingering scale insects and spot-treat as needed.
What other precautions should I take during the treatment process?
When applying neem oil, make sure to keep it away from the soil to avoid potential egg contamination. Additionally, be mindful of disposal; always place pruned infected leaves in a sealed bag to prevent spreading scale to other plants.
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