Sago Palm Scale Control: Oil Sprays and Systemics

Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) drying up and dying likely from cycad scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui). Malathion and horticultural oil available at nurseries.

Treatment Protocol

1. Oil sprays first: Paraffinic/ultrafine horticultural oil (SunSpray) or fish oil (Organocide) every 10–14 days through summer. Cover entire plant.
2. Wash periodically: Strong water stream to remove dead scale and oil buildup.
3. Systemics: Distance (pyriproxyfen, IGR) foliar; Safari (dinotefuran) soil drench or foliar 2×/year.
4. Malathion + oil: Effective but harms beneficials.

Persistence

Scale management is ongoing. Monitor continuously; treat at first sign of reinfestation.