I've been struggling with a scale infestation for months now and it's driving me nuts! I've lost four plants already despite trying horticultural oil and isopropyl alcohol, but those haven't worked and might even be causing more damage. Unfortunately, I'm in a state where imidacloprid and dinotefuran (neonicotinoid pesticides) are not allowed. I really need recommendations on how to handle this situation! Any thoughts?
3 Answers
I totally get your struggle! For something safe and effective, I recommend trying neem oil. It's more gentle and often works well against pests like scale. You may need to repeat the treatment every few weeks, but it's usually worth it. Also, have you checked for any hidden scale on your plant's stems or leaves? They can be sneaky!
If you can access Bonide systemic granules, those work effectively for scale. Just be cautious since you mentioned there's a restriction on them where you live. If that's the case, consider checking out local nurseries for organic treatments or even beneficial nematodes, which can help control pest populations from the ground up. It might be a bit more involved, but it's worth exploring!
Oh no, scale can be super tricky! Since those options aren't working, have you tried introducing natural predators like ladybugs? They can help keep scale populations down. Another method is to use insecticidal soap, which can be effective if applied correctly. Don't forget to thoroughly mist underneath the leaves where scale tends to hide! Good luck!
I've heard ladybugs are great, but make sure your other plants are pest-free first. You don't want to invite them to a feast!
I can't get Bonide systemic here, unfortunately. Trying to find alternative solutions!