how do you get rid of scale bugs on houseplants

by Claudine Wintheiser Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Scale on Plants.

1. Rub Them Off. This is the most inexpensive way to control the critters if the problem is still small. Therefore, this method is particularly useful ...
2. Horticultural Oil.
3. Pruning.
4. Beneficial Insects.
5. Neem Oil.

TREATMENT. Soft shell scale bugs can be susceptible to insecticide, but the safest bet to begin treating scale regardless of whether it's soft or hard shell variety is to start by removing the pests with your fingernail or a soft toothbrush, or even a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol.Mar 8, 2020

Full Answer

How to get rid of scale bugs on plants?

Researchers from Colorado State University say that neem oil is a type of horticultural oil, useful for scale insect control. To be effective in eradicating scale bugs, spraying a neem oil solution all over the plant is necessary. You will need several applications to kill off scale bugs and their nymphs.

How do you get rid of scale nymphs on plants?

Scale insects can overwinter as nymphs or eggs tucked away in tree bark. Spray your plants at this point using a hose-end sprayer or garden sprayer filled with 2 to 5 ounces of oil per gallon of water. This application will smother the scale before the insects have a chance to form their protective coating.

How to get rid of scaly houseplant pests?

Neem oil is a natural insecticide to get rid of scaly houseplant pests. Neem oil works to kill common plant bugs by disrupting their reproductive systems. The residual effect of neem oil means that the natural homemade scale spray continues working after applying it.

How do you get rid of black bugs on plants?

Simply spray the entire plant down from top to bottom (with either mixture), and wipe the foliage clean with paper towels. Please note insecticide should be applied in the evening, or when the plant is removed from the direct sun, as sunlight combined with the insecticide can burn a plant.

How do you get rid of scale on indoor plants?

For lighter infestations, gently remove scale with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in soapy water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Test a small area first, as some plants may be sensitive. Check plants every few days and repeat treatment if necessary.

What causes scale on indoor plants?

Scale on your indoor plants can appear seemingly out of nowhere, but these little insects can come from several sources. Perhaps you used contaminated potting soil, left your plants outside in the warm weather months, or reused a dirty plant pot.

What insecticide kills scale on houseplants?

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.

What is the best treatment for scale on plants?

Rubbing Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol can kill scale insects if the infestation isn't too severe. Dip a cotton swab or sponge in the rubbing alcohol and gently apply directly to infested areas. It's a good idea to do a test spot on your plant before applying it all over.

Should I throw away a plant with scale?

If you have any really badly infected areas of your plant, it is probably best to prune your plant and throw those parts away. If infestation is horrible enough, it may be wise to just throw out the entire plant. What is this? Be sure to check the undersides of the leaves, the leaf petioles, stems, flower stalks, etc.

How do you stop scale infestation?

5:347:13How to Get Rid of Scale Insects (4 Easy Steps) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDirectly the alcohol will work to immediately burn affected scales and kill them quickly usingMoreDirectly the alcohol will work to immediately burn affected scales and kill them quickly using alcohol on plants is generally safe for the plant.

How do you know when scale insects are dead?

Dead scales do not fall from plants, so it will be necessary to examine plants to determine whether the scales are dead or alive. When crushed, a dead scale will be dry but if the body is juicy or leaves a streak when smeared on a piece of paper it was alive.

Does scale spread to other plants?

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.

How do I get rid of scale insects?

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

What insect eats scale?

Scales are preyed upon by small parasitic wasps and many predators, including certain beetles, bugs, lacewings, and mites.

Does neem oil work on scale?

To get rid of scale on plants, mix two teaspoons of organic neem oil and a teaspoon of Castile soap with a 1 quart (1 l) of lukewarm water. Fill in a spray bottle, shake well, and liberally spray all affected parts of your plant to kill the scale bugs.

How do you make insecticidal soap?

Can I make my own insecticidal soap? Certainly! By mixing 2.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2.5 tablespoons of pure liquid soap with 1 gallon of distilled water, you'll have a whole gallon of insecticidal soap for safely spraying plants in flowerbeds or the vegetable garden.

How do you prevent scale on plants?

How do plants develop 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.

What do scale bugs look like?

The scale bug is small, oval and flat, with a protective tan to brown shell-like covering (scale). Scale generally targets the undersides of leaves and around leaf joints.

What does baby scale look like on plants?

Houseplant scale are gross looking things that suck the sap out of the leaves and stems of plants; resulting in stunted or deformed leaf growth, yellowing of the leaves, brown pock marks, and possibly leaf drop.

What to do if you see scale on a plant?

After noticing signs of scale on plants such as brownish-red or white-gray bumps it’s vital to isolate the plant. It’s best to prune the affected part for heavily-infested plants to remove all traces of scale bugs altogether. Be sure to dispose of the contaminated plant parts in the trash, not compost.

How big are scale bugs?

Their shiny oval bodies attach to plant stems or leaves. The scales can be tiny pests, measuring 2 mm, or larger bugs up to 5 mm in diameter.

What do Scales on Plants Look Like?

Scale insects on plants look like small brown or cream-colored bumps that are easily mistaken for plant growth. Scale bugs are plant pests with round or oval shape and range in size from minuscule dots to large lumps. When scales reach adulthood, they don’t move on plants, making them hard to identify.

How to identify scales on plants?

A common way to identify scales plant insects is by the damage the pesky bugs cause. Scales secrete a sticky substance called honeydew on the plant. The sweet gluey liquid causes black sooty mold growths. So, as well as noticing unusually tan-colored lumps on plants, the stems and leaves may be sticky and start turning black.

Why do plants have black mold?

Black sooty mold —Honeydew excreted by scales causes black mold to grow on leaves. This substance affects photosynthesis, causing the plant to lack the food requires for healthy growth. Although scale pests don’t damage plants as quickly as spider mites, you need to get rid of the plant bugs quickly.

Why replace potting soil with sterile soil?

As scale bugs can infect houseplant soil, it is vital to replace potting soil to ensure you eliminate scale insects from your plants and to make sure they don’t return. Replace potting soil with a well-draining, sterile type to prevent scales returning.

Why do scale bugs bite?

The pesky scale bugs bite into plants to feed on the sap, resulting in discolored leaves, leaf drop and stunted plant growth. Scales are small bugs in the insect order Hemiptera. There are 8,000 species of scale bugs. Their name comes from the scale-like waxy covering that many species of scale insects have.

You spend a lot of time caring for your houseplants. When you notice scale, isolate your plant patient and nurse it back to health by following these simple steps

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

When examining and treating your plant, try to do so in a well-lit room so you can better see the extent of the scale infestation. Keep your tools next to you as you go and make sure to wash your hands after removing scale from your houseplants. Scale can leave and come back, so make sure to also clean the area where you keep your plant.

STEP 1: Inspect all leaves, stems, and branches to identify scale insects

Scale insects don’t resemble typical bugs. Unlike spider mites and mealybugs, scale insects look more like strange growths on your plant. There are different types of scale, which can appear in round, oval, or flat shapes. Their size ranges from barely visible to large bumps in colors such as brown, white, tan, or orange.

STEP 2: Prune off parts of the plant infested with scale insects

If you suspect your plant is infested, quarantine the plant to prevent scale from spreading. Keep the affected plant away from other plants for a minimum of 3 weeks.

STEP 3: Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto each visible insect

For any remaining scale left on your houseplant, dip a cotton swab in some rubbing alcohol and use it directly on the visible scale. Make sure to pour the rubbing alcohol into a small container and use that, rather than dip the swab directly into the bottle.

STEP 4: Gently wipe off dead scale insects using a soft, damp cloth

Some plant owners may choose to wash off their plant in the sink. If you’re concerned about overwatering your plants as you wash off the dead scale, another effective method is using a damp microfiber cloth.

STEP 5: Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap to eliminate microscopic scale larvae

Removing the scale insects with pruning shears and rubbing alcohol only solves part of the problem. The previous steps help get rid of the adult scale insects on your houseplants. The younger scale insects aren’t visible, and they’re likely still crawling around.

How to kill scales on houseplants?

Insecticidal soap can also be sprayed on houseplants to kill scales. Mix about 5 tablespoons of insecticidal soap or a very mild dish soap into 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Pour the soap into a spray bottle and spray the plant, including the undersides of the leaves and stems, until the soap solution begins to drip.

How to get rid of scale on Neem?

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.

Why do you spray a plant in winter?

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

What happens when a crawler gets to the plant?

After the crawlers get to their spot, they will attach to the leaf or stem and eventually lose their legs. Familiarize yourself with what scales do when they get on a plant. When they attach to the plant, they pierce it with their mouths and suck the plant juices out.

What is the problem with aphids?

The most serious problem they cause is honeydew which is a clear, sticky secretion they leave behind as they feed. Aphids, small, soft-bodied insects excrete honeydew as well. They are usually green or red, although they can be nearly any color, and are more mobile than scale insects.

When to spray for scales on plants?

During the summer, spray the plants for scales in June, July and August but only if they return after the early spring treatment. Horticultural oils work by smothering the scale insects that are on the plant when it is sprayed. The treatment may have to be repeated after a week or two.

How to tell if a tree has scale damage?

Spot signs of scale damage. The first symptoms are yellow, falling leaves. Eventually twigs and entire limbs die and the tree bark cracks and oozes sap. Soft scales will do some damage but they rarely do enough damage to kill a plant.

How to get rid of scales on houseplants?

These are some of the most effective home remedies and organic control methods. 1. Rub Them Off. This is the most immediate and inexpensive way to control the critters if the problem is still small and is particularly useful for houseplant scales. An old toothbrush is a good tool to scrape/rub the bugs off the stems.

How to get rid of bugs on my garden?

An old toothbrush is a good tool to scrape/rub the bugs off the stems. Alternatively, a slightly abrasive sponge or cotton swab dabbed in some rubbing alcohol should do the trick. Check under leaves too where they may be hiding. Additionally, use an organic insecticidal spray to avoid re-infestation.

How to make scale spray for plants?

Make a homemade scale spray by combining one tablespoon of organic liquid soap in a cup of vegetable oil. Next, take one tablespoon of this mixture and add it to a cup of water. Shake well and spray affected plants. Use the measurement as a guide for larger portions. 3.

What is the best insecticide for scale insects?

8. Azadirachtin. A substance extracted for neem seeds, Azadirachtin is widely used as an organic pesticide in gardening, farming, and forestry. One of the best insecticides for scale insects, Azadirachtin controls many soft-bodied insect pests naturally.

How to get rid of tree scales?

This home remedy stops the bugs at an early stage. It does so by preventing them from spreading to other areas or leaving honeydew attracting other pests. Afterward, burn or remove pruned foliage and branches from the garden.

What are the tiny bugs that appear on my plants?

Those tiny immobile pests that appear like small bumps on your plants are scale insects. They feed by sucking sap from plants, causing them to wilt and appear sickly. The leaves may even turn yellow and drop off. Scale insects are of the order Hemiptera [ 1 ]. Depending on the infestation, they can cause great damage in the garden, greenhouse, ...

What order are scale bugs?

Scale insects are of the order Hemiptera [ 1 ]. Depending on the infestation, they can cause great damage in the garden, greenhouse, and especially to houseplants. As a result, you must get rid of them. Scale bugs are identified as tiny shell-like bumps in clusters along the stems of plants. They excrete a sticky honeydew substance.

How to get rid of scale insects on house plants?

Keep the plant in a room well away from the others, such as a room on another floor. For best results, pick away or otherwise remove as many scale insects as possible to keep their population under control. In a worst-case scenario, such as a plant that's extremely infested, it may be better to just take the plant outside or seal it in a bag and discard it. Sealing it in a plastic bag keeps the scale from eventually spreading to other plants outdoors.

How to get rid of scale on potted plants?

If only one or two plants are affected by scale, manually removing these pests is one option that requires no special treatments, although this is best done for potted plants that are small enough that you can inspect each stem. Brush off the pests with an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water or rubbing alcohol. If possible, catch the falling scale on some strips of wide packing tape or a sheet of paper and then discard the pests in an old airtight bag, placing it in the trash. Discarding them this way helps prevent reinfestation.

What insects eat scale?

In the larval stage, green lacewings, also known as aphid lions, eat scale, aphids, caterpillars, and numerous other pests. Ladybug species, such as chilocorus and hyperaspis, also eat scale insects, aphids, and other plant pests. Though predatory insects are often available for purchase to introduce to your garden, it's best to attract them naturally so you don't disturb your local ecosystem.

How to tell if you have scale bugs?

Another clue you may have scale insects are bumps that appear all over your plant stems — which are are actually loads of scales clustered together.

What causes scale to fall off of plants?

Armored scale insects sometimes inject a toxin into the leaves of the host plant, causing a circular discoloration. This may result in the affected leaves falling off. Armored scale is more common on outdoor plants than houseplants. If you've spotted scale insects and aren't sure if they're the soft or armored variety, take the tip of a pocketknife and pry the edge of one insect from the plant. If it's an armored scale, its outer shell will pop off, and the rest of the bug remains.

Where do scales live?

Scale insects live on a vast array of houseplants, hitching a ride indoors by living on the host plant before you even brought it home. Once inside, scale may spread from one plant to another nearby; you may not even realize any of them are there unless you find a plethora of these pests. Whether purchasing houseplants or plants for your garden, inspect each carefully to ensure there are no scales. Check the underside of leaves as well since scale insects thriving on the underside may otherwise go undetected.

Where do scale insects come from?

Outside, scale insects come from other affected plants and not always from plants of the same type. Thousands of varieties of scale insects affect just as many plant species, so if you find any on your plants indoors or out, it's a good idea to check dissimilar nearby plants as well.

How long does it take for scale bugs to go away?

Repeat this treatment every 7 - 10 days and until you no longer see the scale bugs appearing.

What are these tiny brown bugs on my plants?

These tiny insects can appear as benign brown growths on your plants, but on the underside of their shells, they’ve firmly adhered themselves to your plant and are sucking away at its sap. Photo credit: Lauren Sottile.

What is the name of the small brown rounded lumps on the leaves of a plant?

IDENTIFICATION. Scale varies in color, shape, and size, but most often appears as small, brown, rounded lumps on your plant’s leaves and stems. Two main groups exist: armored or hard scales; and unarmored or soft scales. The names refer to the shell-like coverings which protect the insect body.

How big is a mealybug scale?

Control, as with mealybug, is hindered by the protective scale covering the insect. Scales measure up to ⅛ inch long and can be round, oval, or oyster shell-shaped, predominantly brown in color but can range from white to black.

Can you see scale on plants?

The existence of only one scale on a plant is rare, as there are more likely additional scale you can't see, so treat your plant at the first signs to prevent it from becoming overrun.

How to get rid of scale bugs on a plant?

Dip it in vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs from the plant. The eggs are invisible to the human eye, so observe the plant closely for the following weeks and remove other scale bugs that you see. For bad infestations, neem oil or insecticidal soap may be necessary.

How to get rid of bugs in my garden?

How to get rid of these bugs: Dry out their habitat by letting the top two inches of soil desiccate completely in between waterings. Water your plant from the saucer and remove the water after an hour or so. Spray the soil lightly with insecticidal soap if you spot a resurgence.

How to get rid of yellow bugs on houseplants?

Infected leaves may become yellow or stunted. How to get rid of these bugs: isolate your infected plant away from other houseplants. Remove infested leaves, and spray them off the plant with water before spraying with insecticidal soap. Repeat the process once per week until they disappear.

How to get rid of mites on a plant?

You can spray the plant with water in your bathtub to remove the webbing and mites. Wipe away any remaining bugs with a cloth. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation disappears.

How to get rid of honeydew on a plant?

They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. How to get rid of these bugs: Remove any heavily infested parts of the plant. Wipe off insects elsewhere with a damp rag or spray them off with water in the bathtub.

What does a sap sucking bug look like?

Another sap-sucker, these bugs appear as tan or brown oval bumps on leaves or stems. Sometimes they look like part of the plant itself. If it’s indeed a scale bug, you should be able to scrape it off.

What are the tiny red spiders that live on the leaves of plants?

Spider Mites. These tiny red spiders are nearly invisible to the naked eye but leave telltale webs between leaves and stems. They also feed on plants’ sap. Infected leaves may show tiny dots of yellow or become dry and limp while remaining green.