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Scale Insects on Ficus: Systemic Soil Drench Treatment

Ficus tree with black scaly bugs on branches (immobile, oval, scrape off) has scale insects. The companion tree's health confirms environment is suitable; infestation is localized.

Treatment

Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide soil drench (imidacloprid).
Mix with water, pour around base.
Systemic uptake kills scale in 1 week; protects 1 year.
Available at Home Depot.

Notes

Prune heavily infested/dead branches first. Monitor for honeydew and sooty mold; they will disappear as scale die.

Plant Diseases: Ficus Decline After Repotting: Miracle-Gro Toxicity and Organic Recovery; Outdoor Ficus benjamina Leaf Drop, White Powder on Bark: Root/Soil Stress, Likely Scale or Woolly Aphids—Nursery ID Needed; Leaf-Rolling Insects on Ficus: Systemic Control for Protected Pests; Tiny Flying Bugs on Maple: Harmless or Harmful?; Ficus Tree Infested with Leaf-Rolling Insects: Identification and Control; Bugs on Florida Tree Trunk: Likely Love Bugs or Similar, Not Harmful; Diagnosing Leaf Drop in Ficus Trees; Ficus Tree Health: Sap Globules, Overpotting, and Light Needs; Ficus Leaf Drop: Reptile UV Light Insufficient; Controlling Ficus Pests: Alcohol Spray and Systemic Options

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