Insect
Scale Insects
Flat or domed immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves beneath a protective waxy shell, sucking sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mould.
Symptoms to Look For
- Flat or domed brown, cream, or white waxy lumps on stems and leaf undersides
- Sticky honeydew on leaves below infested stems
- Sooty black mould growing on honeydew deposits
- Yellowing foliage and reduced vigour on heavily infested plants
Affected Plants
AppleCitrusLemonOrangeFigGrapePeachPlumRoseBay
Organic Solutions
Horticultural oil spray
Apply winter dormant oil spray thoroughly to all bark surfaces to smother overwintering scales before eggs hatch in spring.
Manual removal
Scrub scale colonies off stems with a soft brush dipped in soapy water or methylated spirits during the growing season.
Encourage natural enemies
Avoid pesticides as parasitic wasps and ladybird larvae are highly effective natural predators when populations are left undisturbed.
Prevention
- Inspect bought-in plants carefully before introducing them to the garden
- Apply dormant oil every winter to prevent population build-up on fruit trees
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.