Scale Insects on Flowering Maple: Identification and Treatment

Bumps: Armored adult scales (tan/brown/black, immobile).
Sticky glaze: Honeydew—insect waste. Attracts sooty mold.

Shiny bumps on stems and sticky "glaze" on leaves of your flowering maple (Abutilon)? Classic scale infestation with honeydew excretion.

Light infestation: Hand-remove with alcohol-dipped Q-tips. Scrape with toothpick. Alcohol kills adults and eggs under shells.

Heavy infestation: Systemic insecticide (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub) as soil drench. Plant absorbs it, kills feeding scales. Reapply per label.

Follow-up: Clean honeydew with damp cloth or strong water spray to prevent sooty mold.

OK to remove worst branches if not >30% of plant. Reduces population instantly.

Expert advice from Tracy, houseplant specialist.

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