Scale Insects on Houseplants: Identification and Non-Toxic Control

Recognizing Scale

Sticky honeydew on leaves/floor + tiny brown bumps on stems/leaf undersides = scale. Young crawlers are translucent; adults have hard shells.

Effective Non-Toxic Treatments

Key: Thorough coverage, repeated in 5–7 days to catch crawlers.

• Rubbing alcohol spray: 1 part isopropyl alcohol : 8–10 parts water + few drops dish soap. Spray to dripping.
• Horticultural oil (SunSpray Ultra-Fine): Smothers all stages. Mix per label.
• Hot Pepper Wax: Capsaicin-based repellent/insecticide.
• Neem oil: Dilute with water + Pine-Sol to mask odor. Smothers and disrupts growth.
• Brand X Foliage Cleaner: Silicone-based, penetrates crevices. (Southwest Plantscape Products, 800-333-7977)

Critical Rules

• Never apply in direct sun or high heat.
• Repeat treatment in 5–7 days.
• Monitor weekly for recurrence.
• Isolate infested plant.

Why Soap Alone Fails

Soap doesn’t penetrate adult scale shells. Use one of the above for reliable control.