Question
Is there a way to rid a schefflera (sp?) of scale.  It shows up every year at this time.  I can't take the plant outside to treat it as we still have cold and snow.  What chemicals or organic treatment will rid this plant of the scale that is turning everything near it sticky and gummy?  Thanks

Answer
Chris,

I have the same problem with 2 scheffs I have and I was recently told to water them then put each in a clear plastic bag and put in a brand new dog flea collar that has been stretched to activate and leave it alone for 4 weeks and when you open it up the scale and all babies will be dead. Do check it weekly to make sure it isn't too dry but in the plastic bag it will not dry out fast. If it is large you may have to use clear plastic flat sheets from home depot and clear packing tape and make your own bag. I am one week into trying this and it appears to be working. At least in the process it gets rid of that stickiness for 4 weeks.  The only other method is using Q-tips and rubbing alcohol and removing each individual scale, I hate that job and it is nearly impossible to find them all.  Let me know how this works for you.  Good luck.

                                            Darlene