Scale Insects on Ficus and Areca Palm: Treatment Options

Gene's 9-year-old ficus developed scale; wife wants to discard. Areca palm had scale one winter but it disappeared outdoors in spring. Asks if neem oil/alcohol protocol works for palm.

Ficus: Malathion Option (Desperate Measures)

• Malathion kills all scale (including eggs) in one application.
• Use ONLY outdoors or in garage (above 60°F). Never indoors.
• Spray thoroughly: leaf tops/bottoms, stems, soil surface.
• Let dry, then move to garage. May drop many leaves but should regrow.
• Scale bodies remain but are dead.

Areca Palm: Neem Oil/Alcohol Protocol

• Yes, neem oil + rubbing alcohol works for palm scale.
• Don't use Malathion on palms – too harsh.
• Outdoor natural enemies often control scale naturally (as Gene observed).

General Note

Scale worsening due to warmer weather. Malathion is last resort for valued plants; always use outdoors.