How to Defeat Scale on Houseplants

Houseplants bring life and beauty to our homes, but they also bring pesky pests like scale. These tiny insects can be tough to control and can cause serious damage to your plants if left untreated. Luckily, there are ways to defeat them and keep your houseplants healthy and happy.

One effective way to control scale on houseplants is by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. These products should be applied once a week for six weeks, ensuring that all parts of the plant are thoroughly sprayed, including the stems, petioles, crown, and leaves. This will catch emerging young or eggs and help eliminate them before they become a bigger problem.

It's important to note that neem oil is not effective in controlling scale on houseplants. Instead, rotating between insecticidal soap and horticultural oil every other week will provide the best results. This will prevent the insects from developing resistance to a single product, making it easier to get rid of them.

It's also important to understand that systemic and contact chemicals are ineffective on adult scale insects due to their tough, waxy coating. The efficacy of the chemicals is reduced, and the insects are not eliminated.

By being vigilant and spraying once a week, you can catch the emerging young or eggs and effectively rid yourself of scale on your houseplants. Make sure to spray thoroughly in the crevasses of the plant, as scale insects like to hide in these cozy corners.

In conclusion, scale insects can be a challenging problem for houseplant enthusiasts, but by using the right products and spraying regularly, you can effectively control and eliminate them. Don't let these pesky pests damage your beautiful houseplants. Take action and enjoy healthy, thriving plants in your home.