How Do Houseplants Get Scaled?

Scale are small, sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to plants through various means, including crawling between plants, attaching to old plant pots, blowing by the wind, transferring from animals, and traveling in oil soil. They can cause damage to plants by forming a waxy protective coating. If you notice scale on your houseplants, isolate them immediately and prune away any severely infested leaves.

Scale insects spread faster on houseplants than outdoors in the garden, so it is crucial to control or remove them when they infest indoor plants. Infected plants should be kept separate from other plants, and after isolating any infected plants, treat them accordingly.

Scale insects are only mobile in the first moments of their life until they permanently latch onto the plant’s foliage. They feed on plant sap sucked through a slender stylet that remains inserted constantly into the plant tissue. Sap loss may cause poor, stunted growth, and newly-hatched nymphs crawl actively over the plant surface and spread the infestation. Scale insects can breed in greenhouses and can be carried on clothing, infecting other houseplants.

Scale is very contagious and spreads quickly, so it is essential to isolate any plants with scale from other plants, if possible. Treatment methods include using systemic granules and sprays, as well as using contact insecticides like insecticidal soap or malathion.

How do scales spread?

Scale infestations are common pests of shade trees and shrubs, with over 60 types found in Indiana. These insects spread when crawlers walk or are blown by the wind to nearby plants or parts. After feeding, they become flat and covered with a clear wax shell. Scale insects damage plants by sucking outplant juices. There are two types of scales: those that excrete honeydew, which is both a nuisance and a threat to plant health.

Honeydew attracts ants, flies, and wasps, and when it becomes food for sooty mold, it can shade leaves and reduce plant growth. Therefore, it is crucial to address scale infestations to ensure their control and prevention.

How to remove scale from indoor palm?

Palm leaf scales are challenging to remove, but can be treated by spraying the leaves with horticultural oil or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water mixed with bleach-free dish soap. If patience is required, rubbing alcohol can be painted onto each scale individually. Neem oil sprays may also be helpful. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook.

How contagious is scale?

Scale insects, or their eggs or nymphs, spread quickly and easily through air currents and cross-contamination. They target plant nutrients, typically found on the underside of leaves and stems. They bite into veins, snuffing them with their snout, which is detrimental to plants’ growth and bloom. Scale insects often affect older, mainly woody and tropical plants, such as Ficus, Monstera, Fern, or Palm trees.

They form thick crusts in dense clusters and inject a toxic substance into plant cells, causing yellow, red, or brown spots on leaves or deformity, stopping growth, or even falling out. Carrying scale insects on clothes can also infect other houseplants. It is crucial to be aware of these pests and their potential impact on your plants.

What is the life cycle of a scale bug?

Scale insects have a life cycle of egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay eggs under protective covers or cottony wax, and mature females die after laying eggs. When they hatch, they feed on sap from plants and develop their waxy shell. Nymphs and adult females remain in the same location for life, while winged males matt with new females. Soft-scale insects have one generation per year, while armored scales have several generations per year.

Sap feeding can cause leaf yellowing, premature leaf drop, stunted growth, or twig dieback in heavy infestations. Soft-scale insects excrete honeydew, a sweet substance, onto leaves, which attracts insect scavengers and may encourage sooty mold, a fungus disease that reduces photosynthesis and energy for plants.

To remove scale insects, mechanically remove them from houseplants or small trees and shrubs, while heavily-infested stems can be pruned out and discarded.

How does scale get on indoor plants?

Scale insects have a simple life cycle of egg, nymph, and adult. They can be easily controlled during the crawler stage, where they feed on plant sap. Once they settle, they lose their legs and can go through multiple generations a year. To control scales, remove them by hand, prune heavily infested areas, and use insecticidal soap. Monitor plants frequently and use soaps formulated to kill insects without damaging plants. Frequent sprays may be needed until the problem is under control. This method can help control scale infestations in indoor spaces.

Does white oil get rid of scale?

White oil is a contact pesticide that effectively kills sucking and chewing pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, whiteflies, and fruit moths. It works by clogging the pores of pests or disrupting their normal cell functions, effectively suffocating them. It is best applied when the pests are at an early stage in development and populations are small. White oil is effective for less than a day, requiring repeat applications, and is relatively ineffective against larger, mobile, and hard-bodied insects like bees, ladybirds, and beetles.

This is beneficial for mature beneficial insects, but may have negative impacts on ladybird larvae. The short effective life of the spray allows for targeted use, but repeat sprays are often required.

Is scale hard to get rid of?

Scale insects are difficult to get rid of due to their shell and attachment to plants. They are most vulnerable during the “crawler stage”, which is short-lived. To effectively treat a plant infested with scale, it is essential to use the right products and follow an adequate treatment schedule.

To identify the issue, first identify any unusual symptoms on the plant. If you feel confident, do a scratch test on any questionable bumps. Look for other clusters of insects throughout the plant, under the leaves, or down the stems. If the infestation is severe, prune off a branch or portion of the plant for quick disposal. If not feasible, treat the entire plant.

After identifying the presence of scale, thoroughly inspect the entire plant and any other plants near the infected plant. If the infestation is confined to one area, prune off that branch or portion for quick disposal. If not feasible, treat the rest of the plant to prevent missed nymphs in their “crawler stage”.

Will neem oil get rid of scale?

To treat a pest infestation, use an insecticide to treat any remaining larvae. Neem oil is an organic and natural treatment method, but insecticidal soap may be more effective for serious infestations. Spray the entire plant down from top to bottom and wipe the foliage clean with paper towels. Apply the insecticide in the evening or when the plant is removed from direct sunlight. If the infestation is heavy, notice the accumulation of scale near the stem, which is the juicier and more nutrient-laden part of the leaf.

Quarantine the affected plant and separate it from the rest of the collection while it recovers. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days until no more scale bugs appear. For future prevention, inspect all plants thoroughly and regularly, dusting leaves and inspecting for pests.

Does vinegar get rid of scale on plants?

Scale on plants is an infestation of over 8, 000 species of tiny, sap-sucking insects that adhere to plant stems, branches, and leaves to feed on sap. They have a shell-like bump appearance, making them easy to mistake for a fungal or bacterial disease. Scale treatment on plants differs from treatment for plant diseases, so it’s crucial to understand the difference. To identify, combat, and control scale insects on indoor and outdoor plants, follow these steps:

1. Clean the plant thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris.
2. Apply vinegar to the affected area, ensuring it’s completely dry.

What is the lifespan of a scale?

Digital scales’ lifespan varies based on factors like quality and maintenance. High-quality scales can last 5-10 years with proper care, while lower quality scales may only last 1-3 years. To prolong the lifespan of your digital scale, clean it regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from accumulating, which can affect its accuracy and performance. Regular maintenance can help maintain the scale’s longevity and ensure its continued use.

How do you permanently get rid of scale on plants?

Scale insects are a common and damaging garden pest, affecting both indoor and outdoor plants. They feed on leaves, stems, and branches, causing widespread damage in severe cases. Over 8, 000 species feed on plants, sucking sap through long, needle-like mouthparts. Some species also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which supports fungal disease growth and attracts ants. To get rid of scale, use water, prune branches, natural predators, horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, and organic methods. Proper diagnosis is crucial as scale bugs are often mistaken for other pests or diseases, so it’s essential to avoid using insecticides once the soft or hard shell has formed.