Identifying and Treating Scale Insects on Indoor Plants

Scale insects can cause significant damage to indoor plants by sucking sap and weakening them. Here is the guide to treating scale insects effectively

1. Scout for scale insects that have a body covered by a protective waxy shell, often resembling scales on stems and leaves

Identification

2. Regularly monitor & check for sticky honeydew on leaves or surfaces beneath the plant which is a common indication of scale insects

1. Hand removal & pruning Using a gentle brush, carefully scrape out scale insects. If infestation is high, remove infected leaves & branches

Treatment

To control scale population, use natural predators such as ladybugs, soldier beetles, lacewing, and parasitic wasps

2. Natural predators

If the scale population is low they can be rubbed with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab or picked off of plants by hand

3. Cotton swab

Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on infected areas to control and prevent further infestation

4. Insecticidal soap