August Questions – Ask Anna
Happy August, everyone! This months question is: “I know I have scale, how do I get rid of Scale on my plants”?
If you’ve noticed some odd little bumps on your plants, you might be dealing with scale insects. You’re definitely not alone—these persistent pests can frustrate even the most seasoned gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts. But don’t worry! With a little bit of effort, you can reclaim your plants from these unwanted guests. What Are Scale Insects? Scale insects typically look like tiny brown, tan, or white bumps clinging to the stems and leaves of your plants. They may seem harmless at first, often mistaken for part of the plant itself. However, they feed on your plant’s sap, which can weaken your green friend over time. Look out for signs like yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or a sticky substance called honeydew on the leaves or surrounding surfaces—these are all indicators of an infestation.
Here is a Step- By-Step guide on dealing with them!
Step 1: Manual Removal. Your first line of defense can be simple manual removal. Using a soft toothbrush, your fingernail, or a damp cloth, gently scrape off any visible scale. For particularly stubborn pests, dip a cotton swab into 70% rubbing alcohol and dab it directly on the insects. This will dissolve their protective shell and eliminate them quickly—perfect for indoor plants or smaller infestations!
Step 2: Homemade Spray Treatment. Next, let’s whip up a gentle but effective insecticidal spray. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or neem oil 4 cups of warm water. Mix these ingredients together, and spray the mixture all over your plant, paying special attention to the stems and the undersides of leaves where scale loves to hide. Repeat this every 4-5 days for about 2-3 weeks. The spray works to smother and dehydrate the insects, plus it helps catch any newly hatched invaders before they mature.
Step 3: Prune If Needed. If you find any branches that are heavily infested, it might be time to grab those pruning shears. Prune off the infested sections and dispose of them in the trash (not compost, as that could spread the infestation).
Step 4: Outdoor Options. If your problem is with outdoor plants, consider introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. These friendly insects love munching on scale and other soft-bodied pests, helping to keep your garden healthy and balanced.
I’d also like to add some prevention Tips To keep your plants safe from scale in the future.
Quarantine New Plants: When bringing new plants into your home, let them sit alone for about two weeks to ensure they don’t bring any pests with them. Monthly Cleaning: Wipe down the leaves of your plants monthly with a damp cloth to keep dust and pests at bay. Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can lead to new tender growth that attracts pests. Healthy Environment: Ensure your plants get adequate light, water, and airflow to keep them thriving and less susceptible to pests. With steady care and these tips, you can not only manage but also help your scale-covered plants bounce back to health. Don’t get discouraged —your plants can shine bright again! Happy gardening!
If you have gardening questions or need advice, feel free to reach out! You can send your questions to me at [email protected] with the subject line “Ask Anna,” and I’ll happily feature your questions in next month’s issue. Stop by Harvest at 2405 Vincent Massey Drive and also at 75 Cornwall Centre Road to pick up your copy of the Seeker each month.
