Question
Hi Kathy, I have rose scale on several of my own root roses. I don't use chemicals due to health reasons. Will it work to cut off rose canes below ground level to eradicate scale? 13 roses (interconnected) are affected.

Answer
Hi Darragh,
Insecticidal soap sprays such as Natrasoap work by blocking the breathing pores and dissolving the scales' outer covering so they dehydrate and die. Commercial soap sprays are based on potassium and will not harm beneficial insects and have a very low toxicity to people or pets. Oil sprays such as Eco-Oil kill all stages of scale insects by suffocation which is a physical impact rather than a pesticidal action. It has a low impact on beneficial insects. Possibly peppermint oil may help as I know ants hate it also.  Oil sprays are usually organic and I know peppermint oil is.  kathy