Black Eggs and Sticky Leaves: Scale Insect Infestation

Identification: Brown Scale

Small black/brown "eggs" on petals/leaves + sticky residue = scale insects (brown scale). Life stages: egg → crawler (transparent, damaging) → adult (hard shell).

Complete Eradication Steps

1. Isolate infested plant + check all nearby plants.
2. Swab all leaf surfaces (top/bottom) with 70% alcohol to remove shells.
3. Drench entire plant in systemic insecticide for scale (30 min, chemical gloves).
4. Remove from pot, rinse roots, discard old mix (sealed bag).
5. Repot in fresh soaked mix; air out plant outside.

Thorough treatment prevents recurrence; incomplete = persistent battle.