Not exactly certain as to the etiology but definitely not scale.

Control of both Scale and Mealybugs is about the same and due care is necesary even when using Insecticidal Soaps since even that can kill off the predators of both. I have never seen a commercially available Insecticidal Soap that needed dilution, all I have seen are ready to use. If you wish to mix your own mix 1 teaspoon of soap (not a detergent, real soap) in 1 quart of water. Real soaps are like Fels Naptha, Ivory, Dr. Bronners, etc. those that are made partly by reacting animal fats with lye. As the link attached indicates most pesticides are ineffective against both of these wee buggers because they have a protective coating that keeps the pesticide from penetrating. Here is a link that might be useful: About Scale and Mealybugs

Bumping this up to let y'all know that my Canadel dining set came yesterday. I am so happy with it!! Anyone considering this line should rest assured that it is solidly made with beautiful craftsmanship. The finish is applied evenly, dovetailed drawers, not a staple or glue dollop in sight. I ordered a dining table, six chairs and a china/buffet. The only sad thing is as soon as the delivery men set it up and we inspected and signed off, we had to dissemble the table and move all the pieces to the family room (and they are heavy!). Our remodel is STILL not done and we still need to have our wood floors finished, so it will probably be another month before we can enjoy it. Wonderful line and I highly recommend it to those who want a well made set but don't want to pay heirloom quality prices. Tzus

If you want a more utilitarian look, the Grohe K7 medium is a scaled down pre-rinse-style faucet; we like ours. The Blanco Culina is cute though. My folks have and would recommend the Grohe Concetto (not sure whether that is considered a pullout or pulldown), looks similar to the Delta Trinsic. Good luck!