Scale

Scale are common pests (insects) that colonize on your plants and feed on the sap and nutrients in plant tissue. There are around eight-thousands of different scale species. We have about 1000 species in North America. There are two main types of scales: armored scales and soft scales. 

Soft scales have softer, irregular-shaped bodies 1/8"-1/4" and secrete honeydew. If you see black sooty mold growing on your plant, you may be dealing with soft-bodied scales. Most soft scales can move around the plant more easily than armored scales. They also don't stay around during winter like the armored scale. 

Armored scales are much smaller than soft scales, usually 1/16"-1/8". These guys are usually round or oval-shaped; some can blend in with the plant they're feeding on. They sport a hard, waxy protective covering that protects their bodies. Armored scales can overwinter on our plants, making it very important to inspect them regularly.

We first need to identify what type of scale we are dealing with. After reading about the two types above, if you still can't tell, Flip an adult scale over. You've got an armored scale if there's a soft body beneath a hard shell.

Note: Avoid synthetic insecticides and take care with contact insecticides as much as possible to avoid killing our good bugs, some of which are scale's natural enemies!

On soft scales, insecticidal soaps will do the trick. Treatments specifically for armored scales will also work, but you don't need more than insecticidal soap or a homemade Dawn and water mixture.

Systemic foliar insecticide:

Products containing Acephate are effective in treating armored scales. Bonide Systemic Insect Control Concentrate contains Acephate.

Scale insects suck and can be challenging to treat if you have armored scales. Inspect your plants regularly to avoid having to treat a heavy infestation.