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Scale Insects on Nepenthes: Identification and Treatment

Devon has tiny white/cream bugs deep in leaf axils of a Nepenthes (possibly N. sanguinea) in a 10-gallon terrarium. Scraping them off doesn't stop recurrence. Other plants (sundews, butterwort) are unaffected due to sticky traps. Asks for safe pesticide options.

Expert Identification & Treatment

Jeff Dallas identifies them as scale insects—the most common Nepenthes pest. Nepenthes tolerate most common insecticides well. He recommends Bayer Advanced Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer (systemic, contains imidacloprid). Also links to a podcast on safe insecticides for carnivorous plants.

Precautions

Follow label directions.
Test on 1-2 inexpensive plants first.
Butterworts and sundews are most tender; Bayer products used as directed have caused no issues.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com
Podcast: Safe Insecticides

Carnivorous Plants: Fungus Gnats in Orchid Bark: Repotting Eliminates Them; Mealybugs on Orchids: Identification and Effective Treatment; To Stake or Not to Stake: Managing Nepenthes Vine Growth; Clear Larvae in Nepenthes Soil: Identification and Systemic Treatment; Nepenthes Not Pitchering? It's Almost Always Light, Not Humidity; Aphids on Drosera: Identification and Treatment with Imidacloprid; Fungus Gnats in Nepenthes Soil: Identification and Treatment; Aircone Orchid Pots for Nepenthes: Algae Risk and Root Photosynthesis; Green Bugs on Dormant Venus Flytrap: Aphids or Harmless?; Controlling White Bugs on Hanging Basket Petunias: Identification and Organic Treatment

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