Sago Palm Scale Infestation: Systemic Insecticide Solution

White Crust on 30-Year-Old Sago Palms

Majestic 8-ft-wide Cycas revoluta covered in white substance—likely scale insects (possibly cycad scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui). Not mealybugs; scale are immobile under waxy covers.

Effective Treatment

Apply Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insecticide (imidacloprid) as soil drench per label. Systemic uptake kills scale within 1–2 weeks; bodies remain but are dead. Provides up to 1 year protection.

Note

Dead scale won’t wash off immediately. New growth will be clean. Monitor for ants (they farm scale) and treat if needed.