Sabal Palmetto Scale Control: Horticultural Oil and Predators

Scale on sabal palmettoes is protected by a waxy shell that blocks insecticides. Best approach:

1. Wipe off as many scales as possible with soapy water on paper towels.
2. Spray with horticultural oil to suffocate remaining scales and preserve predatory wasps that parasitize them.

Predatory wasps are the long-term biological control; oil supports them while reducing scale numbers.