2007-04-16 16:46:37 · 5 answers · asked by greenwizard000 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
White oil is safe and the most effective way to treat scale on most things. White oil contains veg. oil, soap, and water, you may even find a recipe for it on the web. The easiest way if you only have one or two plants is to buy some from the garden section of the retail shops or from a nursery. It comes ready to use in an aerosol can. You may need to use it a few times to break the cycle. (Read instructions). It works by suffocating the scales because once sprayed they can't breath through their skins. I have seen it used very effectively even though it sound to easy.
2007-04-16 19:23:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
About the only thing that is "safe" is insecticidal soap. Make sure to dilute according to instructions. It's available at just about every nursery or home improvement store. "Safers" is a common brand name.
You have to really soak the scale heavily, trying to wash off the scale as you go with the soap solution. Use a spray bottle or hose attachment to apply the soap. Then, let set for about 15 minutes. Wash off the soap completely; don't let the direct hot sun shine on soapy leaves. It can burn the daylights out of a plant.
Repeat every two weeks to keep the scale off the plants. Scale will eventually decline in the late fall and winter. Try to limit overhead watering to discourage scale - just soak around the plants when they need water.
2007-04-17 00:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by SafetyDancer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not know what kind of scale you have on your plants. We had lecanium scale on our yews and it was killing them. The Care of Trees came out and did a complete treatment (and this needs to be done for certain scale at specific times) for $80. It really helped a lot, I didn't have to mess with any mixing or spraying myself, and it was worth the investment. Don't know where you live but they are at www.thecareoftrees.com
Check out their website to see if they are also in your area. Or try a reputable service like it in your area.
2007-04-17 00:23:17 · answer #3 · answered by margot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dawn detergent in a spray bottle with some water..it wont kill the plant but will the scales..less intrusive to the enviro.
2007-04-20 19:10:03 · answer #4 · answered by pipeliner30ft 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove scale with cotton balls and isopropyl alcohol. Prevent future infestations with Disyston - available at nurseries. sprinkle on, water in. It stinks, but is a great systemic for all insect troubles. good luck
2007-04-17 05:27:25 · answer #5 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋