Question
Hi, thank you for your answer to the scale infestation question. I think that's what my jasmine plant has as well. What is the reason that drenching in water will kill scales? Would it be able to penetrate the shell? I want to try it. Mine is flowering nicely, would rubbing alcohol harm the flowers? How much rubbing alcohol should I spray on?

thanks again
melody

Answer
Hi Melody,

Plain water does not penetrate the protective shell. Soap might penetrate some, but not as effectively as alcohol. I recommend 5 parts water to 1 part rubbing alcohol. I suggest you try that solution on a couple of flowers as a test to see if it damages them prematurely. If it does, you could try a more dilute solution.

You can also just try to control the scale with hand application of the alcohol until the Jasmine stops flowering, after which you can give it a thorough spray drenching with the alcohol, water, soap solution.

I have written articles on treating indoor plant pests and on Jasmine care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com