Question
We started out with one plant that seemed to have "scale infestation". Our local nursery identified it as "scale" by examining a leaf that we supplied him. We were told to use a systemic insect drench, which we did, however the plant has not improved and now we are noticing that many of our other plants have it.  The first plant was a mature croitan that is kept outside thru out the spring, summer and fall and brought in for the winter. The others are a variety of house plants that we also have kept outside in the warm weather on our covered deck.  The scale looks like a white cottony substance. What more can we do safely for these plants to treat what we believe is scale?

Answer
Hi Shirley, It sounds like either scale or mealy bugs, I would treat it with "Bayer Rose and Flower systemic" and with a Horticultural Oil(sprayed on) or even household Isopropyl Alcohol (dabbed on the insects with a cotton swab). Between the two , the problem will be solved. Nick