Non-Chemical Management
- Keep plants healthy. Vigorous plants are more able to tolerate scale damage.
- Several species of ladybird beetles and parasitic wasps help control scale populations. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which can kill these predators.
- Prune and destroy leaves or stems that are severely affected to help control minor infestations.
- Hand-picking to remove insects may control small infestations.
- Provide proper plant nutrition. Like aphids, scale populations increase with high plant nitrogen levels. If necessary, change to a slow-release fertilizer or one with less nitrogen.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
