Soft Scale: A Common Plant Pest
Soft scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can infest a wide variety of plants. They are named for their soft, scale-like bodies, which are covered in a protective waxy coating. Soft scale insects can be a serious problem for plants, as they can cause leaves to yellow and drop, and can even kill the plant if left untreated.
Symptoms of Soft Scale Infestation
The most common symptom of a soft scale infestation is the presence of small, brown or white bumps on the leaves, stems, or branches of plants. These bumps are the scale insects themselves. Other symptoms of a soft scale infestation include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Dropping leaves
- Sticky leaves
- Black mold on leaves (sooty mold)
- Ants crawling on plants
How to Get Rid of Soft Scale
There are a number of different ways to get rid of soft scale insects. One common method is to use a horticultural oil spray. Horticultural oils are made from natural oils, such as neem oil, and they work by suffocating the scale insects. Another method is to use a systemic insecticide. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and then circulate throughout the plant’s tissues, killing the scale insects.
How to Prevent Soft Scale Infestation
There are a number of things you can do to prevent soft scale infestations on your plants. These include:
- Inspecting plants regularly for signs of scale insects
- Removing any infested leaves or stems
- Keeping plants healthy and well-watered
- Avoiding over-fertilizing plants
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventative measure
Life Cycle of Soft Scale Insects
Soft scale insects have a complex life cycle that involves several different stages. The first stage is the egg stage. Eggs are laid by adult female scale insects on the leaves or stems of plants. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which are small, crawler-like insects. Nymphs feed on the sap of plants and grow into adult scale insects. Adult female scale insects lay eggs, and the cycle repeats.
Natural Predators of Soft Scale Insects
There are a number of natural predators that feed on soft scale insects. These predators include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Encouraging these predators to live in your garden can help to control soft scale infestations.
How to Use Neem Oil to Control Soft Scale
Neem oil is a natural oil that is effective in controlling soft scale insects. Neem oil works by suffocating the scale insects and by disrupting their hormones. To use neem oil to control soft scale, mix 1 ounce of neem oil with 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture on the leaves and stems of infested plants. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, as this is where scale insects are most likely to be found.
How to Use Horticultural Oil to Control Soft Scale
Horticultural oils are also effective in controlling soft scale insects. Horticultural oils work by suffocating the scale insects. To use horticultural oil to control soft scale, mix 1 ounce of horticultural oil with 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture on the leaves and stems of infested plants. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, as this is where scale insects are most likely to be found.
Additional Tips for Controlling Soft Scale
In addition to the methods described above, there are a number of other things you can do to control soft scale on your plants. These include:
- Using a strong stream of water to knock the scale insects off of plants.
- Pruning infested branches and stems.
- Applying a dormant oil spray to plants in the fall or winter.
- Using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a preventative measure.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent and control soft scale infestations on your plants.
