A mostly sedentary pest found on the undersides of leaves and on the stems of many ornamental plant species, especially foliage plants in permanent displays. Damage may be due to copious amounts of honeydew that many species of soft scale produce and the associated sooty moulds that grow on honeydew. Armoured or hard scale insects do not produce sticky honeydew and can be more difficult to control. Dead scale insects can remain on plants for several months and may require physical removal to clean up an infection.
Control can be achieved by foliar application of Steinernema feltiae nematodes, Chilocorus ladybirds in warm conditions and lacewing (Chrysoline).
Control can be achieved by foliar application of Steinernema feltiae nematodes, Chilocorus ladybirds in warm conditions and lacewing (Chrysoline).
Find out more about our scale insect controls
Steinernema feltiae - Contains the insect pathogenic nematode as infective juveniles. The nematodes swim through a film of water and attack the scale insects. Most species of scale insects are controlled where nematodes can be directly targeted. Spray onto foliage when above 14° and less than 27°, for best results maintain a wet leaf for several hours after application, activity ceases when leaves dry.
Chrysoperla carnea - Effective at controlling established aphid populations. Also feed on whitefly eggs and scales, thrips larvae, moth eggs, young mealybug nymphs and other small insects. Use on established populations of aphids or other pest colonies, ideal for organic crops.
