When insects attack (should make a good TV show) ..... ..... plants mount a number of genetically encoded responses to the wounding, ALL of which require energy allocation. In plant cells, there are genes that control proteins functioning in defense, sending defense signals, altering metabolism, controlling cellular maintenance, and regulating photosynthesis, as well as many genes of unknown function. In short, plant energy reallocation is prioritized in the plant's own defense, & other things, like every day metabolism and photosynthesis are put on the back burner. When wounding occurs (insect attack) there is a "wound response" that occurs both at the site of injury as well as distally (in other plant parts). Plants can even differentiate between the wounds of a pin and those of insects and react in different fashion to the "attack". Without getting more technical, the plant produces various anti-feedants, anti-metabolites, and toxins that make the insects feel pretty unwelcome - as long as the plant is in good vitality, which means growing strongly, or has high energy reserves. In other words, as long as the plant is in good health. Stressed or strained plants cannot quickly or efficiently respond and ward off insect attack. The speed with which the response occurs, and the effectiveness of the defense response are also both energy driven, so it should be no surprise that plants grown indoors under constant stress are highly susceptible to insect marauders. If you want to keep the bugs away - your first line of defense should not be to reach for a systemic poison, but to keep your plants growing with as much vitality as possible, which is a cultural - not a chemical thing. ;o) Al

Hi & welcome! Sounds like you might have had fungus gnats as well as centipedes in the soil. Both inhabit soil, but don't bother plants unless/until the dead organic matter in a pot has been consumed. At that point, they could start eating roots. The process of eating the organic matter (and returning it in the form of poo) radically changes the soil structure, turning larger particles into "dirt." Once that process gets to a certain point, the roots can begin to suffocate & rot from lack of oxygen/increased water retention. I would repot your tree while the weather is still nice. If interested, you can find many discussions about FL fig in houseplant forum. Raid could be toxic to plants as well as critters...

We didn't water the plant after we brought it over to our place because the previous owner advised us not to do it. Do you think we should water it? So the brown spots and the yellowing indicate a lack of sunlight, do you think? Regarding the soil: it is called Expanded clay aggregate ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expanded_clay_aggregate ) From our understanding it is relatively unknown in the US. It is supposed to have certain advantages. According to the previous owner, the plant has always been planted within that kind of soil. Thank you so much for your help!

The bumps are not scale. To test for scale try to remove gently with a fingernail. Scale comes off easily And there'll be a squishy little body underneath the shell.