Baby Lemon Tree Infested: Scale, Fungus Gnats, Spider Mites

Indoor Citrus with Scale Bumps, Webbing, Soil Bugs

Florida lemon brought to CA, now infested: yellow-white bumps on trunk (scale), web-like fuzz (spider mites or juvenile scale), tiny bugs in soil (fungus gnats).

Integrated Treatment

1. Scale adults: Scrub with mild soap + old toothbrush.
2. Juvenile scale/spider mites: Dab 70% rubbing alcohol with cotton swab.
3. Fungus gnats: Let soil dry to 1 knuckle depth between waterings; top dry layer kills larvae.
4. Move outdoors—natural predators will clean up scale.

Watering Rule

Water only when surface dry 2 cm. Constant moisture = gnat heaven.