Scale Insects on China Doll (Radermachera): Eradication Guide

The brown “trilobite” bumps and sticky honeydew are scale insects. They’re hard to see when young (translucent, immobile bumps); adults develop hard brown shells.

Key to Elimination: Total Coverage

Wiping misses hidden crawlers. You must drench all leaf and stem surfaces to dripping with one of these:

• Alcohol spray: 1 part rubbing alcohol + 5 parts water + liquid soap. Repeat in 5–7 days.
• Brand X Foliage Cleaner (silicon-based, penetrates crevices): 800-333-7977.
• Horticultural oil (Sun Spray Ultra Fine) or neem oil (with Pine-Sol for odor).
• Hot Pepper Wax: hotpepperwax.com.

Spray in shade, below 75°F; test first. Monitor weekly.