Scale Insect
Easy DIY
Identification
Small, immobile insects that attach to stems and leaves under a hard or waxy shell-like covering, weakening plants over time by feeding on sap.
Can I DIY this?
Easy DIYYou can handle this one yourself.
With the right product and a little patience, most homeowners take care of this pest on their own. Follow the treatment guide, read the product label, and you're set.
- Check stems and leaves for small, immobile bumps under a hard or waxy shell — scale insects don't move once they've attached to feed.
- For light infestations, scrape off visible scale by hand or with a soft brush.
- Apply horticultural oil timed to target the young "crawler" stage, since adult scale's waxy coating resists most contact sprays.
- For heavier or recurring infestations, a systemic insecticide applied to the soil works from inside the plant, bypassing the shell entirely.
- Recheck monthly, since scale can be easy to miss until populations are already established.
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes with socks, chemical-resistant gloves, and goggles. Add a respirator if the label calls for it or ventilation is poor.