Identifying and Treating Scale Insects on Nepenthes: Systemic Insecticide Application

Recognizing Scale

Sticky leaves (honeydew) are the first sign. Adult scales appear as immobile bumps on stems and leaf undersides. Crawlers are microscopic.

Effective Treatment: Acephate (Orthene)

• Systemic organophosphate; absorbed by plant, kills feeding insects for ~30 days.
• Mix 1 tsp per gallon water.
• Spray outdoors, let dry, bring back in. Wear gloves.
• Drench soil as well.
• Repeat in 30 days to catch hatchlings.
• Treat all nearby Nepenthes and orchids.

Source

Available online (e.g., domyownpestcontrol.com). Not sold in retail garden centers.