Treating Scale Insects on a Large Ficus Tree

Treating Scale Insects on a Large Ficus Tree

A 20-year-old Ficus (ceiling height) has sticky leaves, hard white balls at leaf bases, raised brown bumps (scale), and honeydew. Alcohol rubbing and Safer's soap failed.

Identification

• Hard white balls at leaf bases: Normal, harmless.
• Raised brown bumps + stickiness: Scale insects (adults have hard shells).

Treatment Strategy

1. Prune heavily first—reduces leaf mass, makes spraying easier. Ficus responds well to pruning.
2. Thorough spray coverage (dripping wet) every 5–7 days to catch crawlers.
3. Effective sprays:
   • Rubbing alcohol (1:8–10 water + little soap) penetrates shells.
   • Brand X Foliage Cleaner (silicon-based, slips into crevices).
   • Sun Spray Ultra Fine horticultural oil (smothers).
   • Hot Pepper Wax (cayenne overheats pests).
   • Neem oil (dilute with water + Pine Sol for odor).
4. Systemic option: Imidacloprid soil drench (not great on mature scale, ineffective >5–6 ft, expensive).

Apply in shade/cool temps. Persistence is key.