Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> House Plants

Using Systemic Insecticide for Scale on Ficus Trees

Flat, scaly bumps on leaf undersides are scale insects. The most effective, long‑lasting treatment is a systemic soil drench.

Product

Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed (available at Lowe's/Home Depot, ~$20). Mix with water per label and water the soil.

How It Works

The active ingredient is absorbed by roots and moves through the sap. Feeding scale insects ingest it and die. One application protects for a full year.

This is far easier and more reliable than repeated sprays.

House Plants: Lemon Tree Springtails: Tiny Jumping Pests in Damp Conditions; Lightning-Struck Bradford Pear: Betsy Beetles in Decay; Bright Red Bugs on Crepe Myrtle and Oleander: Need ID; Willow Flea Weevil Infestation: Identification and Systemic Control; Soil Bugs in Venus Flytrap Pots: Identification and Control; Identifying Bugs on Corn Plant Leaves; Ficus Tree Exposed Roots: Normal and Harmless; Scale Insects on Ficus Tree: Identification and Treatment; Sticky Ficus Tree: Likely Aphid Honeydew; Treating Scale Insects on a Large Ficus Tree

Garden Articles

Azalea Mealybugs: White Sacs and Crawling Bugs

Scale Insects on Ficus: Systemic Soil Drench Treatment

Tiny Flying Bugs on Maple: Harmless or Harmful?

Bugs on Florida Tree Trunk: Likely Love Bugs or Similar, Not Harmful

Tiny Brown Bugs in Kitchen Cupboard: Booklice (Psocids)

Tiny White Bugs in Clothes: Not Spider Mites

Selling Loquat Seedlings: Timing, Hardiness, and Fruiting Expectations

Plants

Mealybugs: Repot, Treat Systemically, and Check Neighbors

Controlling Stink Bugs on Roses in Florida

Utilizing Tree Tops After Logging

Willow Tree Encroachment and Property Line Liability

Managing Borers in Japanese Maples: Systemic Insecticides and Tree Health

Transplanting Large Thuja (Arborvitae): Pro Equipment Needed

Growing Catawba Trees from Seed Pods: What You Need to Know