Dealing with Scale/insects on house plants

12 years ago

I have a small lime tree and meyer lemon tree that I keep inside for the winter. Over the last 2 years they've fought a scale problem that can't seem to be cured.

I'm wondering if there's any kind of pheromone or similar product to lure these nasties off the plant and onto a fly strip or something?

So Far I've tried.

Showering them (in the shower)- worked well to clean the sticky sapy stuff off but not the bugs.

Toothbrush and neem oil solution to rub them off - worked the best of anything but still didn't kill all

Spraying Neem solution - worked somewhat but not a permanent fix

Spraying hot pepper wax solution - inconclusive as to benefit

Spraying a bonide product that is supposed to encapsulate bugs and eggs, the plant looks better but inconclusive as to reduction in the problem.

I just bought another Bonide product that is supposed to be used every 7 days.

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Comments (4)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
12 years ago
You need to be careful about applying different products in a short period of time. Combinations can sometimes cause problems for the plant.

Scale infestations are difficult to get under control. It takes TIME. Let the products do their work. I wouldn't be surprised if a bunch of the insects are already dead, with their empty shells driving you crazy.

Use the neem (hopefully it's cold pressed neem so that it has the active ingredient in it) according to label directions. It will be helpful to a limited extent on the adults, but much more so on the crawlers. Those are the ones you want to get.

What are these Bonide products you're talking about...active ingredients, please. We can let you know if they will be effective or not.

I'll also suggest that you visit the Citrus Forum here in the Gardenweb. Not only can you read up on old thread with the exact same topic to gain some insight from others, but you can post your own topic.
srj19
Original Author
12 years ago
I thought I posted this but I don't see it.

Besides the neem solution, I've used only bonide sprays.

One was "Shot Gun Hot Pepper Wax Animal Repellent" with .000001125 capsaicin"

The other was "All Seasons Spray Oil" with a 2% Petroleum oil that is supposed to encapsulate and smother eggs and bugs.

The newest is "Eight Insect Control Garden & Home" with .02 Permethrin. I've not used this yet however.

I have crazy ideas sometimes, do bugs breathe or require oxygen? what if I put these small pots it in garbage bag with a little bit of dry ice which would basically replace the air with carbon dioxide as it sublimates? The plants shouldn't suffer if the air temp in the bag stays moderate.
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flora_uk
12 years ago
I use a tip given me by a citrus exhibitor at my local flower show. My little Meyer lemon also has to come in in the winter and if I see any scale on it I carefully wipe each stem and leaf with a baby wipe. It is highly effective and I rarely have to do it more than once each winter. It sounds time consuming but it's actually quite relaxing if you get yourself a comfortable chair and work over the tree methodically. The wipe technique actually removes the scale rather than just attempting to kill it. Scale has a waxy shell which makes it particularly difficult to shift with contact sprays and you don't want to start using systemics on food plants
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
12 years ago
srj...Yes, insects and other living organisms 'breathe' and require oxygen. They don't have lungs, but the outside air enters their bodies through little holes called spiracles. Eggs (all kinds of eggs) also require an exchange of outside and inside gases. However, plants require oxygen, too!

Horticultural oils are most commonly suggested to bring scale populations under control. Please note that an immediate and permanent 'fix' is not likely unless you are prepared to be persistent and observant. Personally, I would use cold pressed neem oil, alternating with the petroleum product a week or more later. Read up on the neem and you'll realize why it's helping even though you may not realize it.

Dealing with Scale/insects on house plants

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

srj19
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Dealing with Scale/insects on house plants

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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

srj19Original Author

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