Scale on Ficus and Fern Tree: Alcohol Spray (Indoor) or Systemic (Outdoor)

Scale on your sunroom Ficus and fern tree (white branches, black dots, sticky floor). Two treatments:

Option 1: Alcohol Spray (Labor-Intensive, Safe Indoors)

• 70% isopropyl alcohol in sprayer.
• Spray entire plants (tops/bottoms leaves) every 5 days × 5+ times.
• Must persist—eggs hatch, cycle restarts if you stop.

Option 2: Systemic (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub)

• Mix 2 tbsp/5 gal water. Soil drench.
• Plant absorbs, kills scale for 6–12 months.
• Outdoor use only. Close sunroom, ventilate 24–48 hrs.
• $20/bottle, lasts years.

Note

Floor "worms" were fungus gnat larvae (separate issue).

Alcohol = safe but work. Systemic = "miracle cure" but chemical. Your call.