Using Natural Insect Repellents
There are several natural insect repellents that often kill scale on contact before they build their hard shells early in the season, but then will create a bad taste for the critter and make it go someplace else to munch. Neem Oil Soap, Hot Pepper Wax, and Garlic Barrier all have this potential repellent capability when applied properly on the tops and the bottoms of leaves of the target plant. The repelling effect will last for several weeks to a month depending on the weather conditions. See the Natural Repellents in Yardener's Tool Shed.
Using Natural Insecticides On Scale
AzaMax will control scale
AzaMax is a natural product with a broad spectrum of pest control and broad plant applications. AzaMax is an anti-feedant and insect growth regulator which control (kills) pests through starvation and growth disruption within two or three days. Therefore this product is used when the bugger is chomping on the foliage. Any of the sprayers can be used to apply AzaMax
For more information about AzaMax go to the Yardener's Tool Shed; click here
Control Scale With Light Horticultural Oil
Light horticultural oil kills both live scale insects inside or outside their shells and it will kill their eggs. The highly refined oil coats the insect’s breathing pores or egg shell, thereby suffocating it. It also disrupts cell membranes in the insect’s body. Spray light hort oil in the spring, when the scale nymphs (“crawlers”) are still exposed. It has very low toxicity to humans, pets, wildlife and beneficial predators, partly because it has little residual activity on the sprayed plants. Spray all affected stems, and on both the tops and bottom of leaves. Heavy scale infestations may require a follow-up spray about 5 or 6 days after each initial spray. In the South where scale produce several generations over a season, periodic sprays are necessary over the whole summer. For information about this product go to Yardener's Tool Shed and check out
Light Horticulture Oil.
Neem oil soap is a natural insecticide that will kill scale on contact and then repel new arrivals for about 2 weeks. Pyrethrum is made from chrysanthemum blossoms and is quite effective especially when applied directly to the pest. Go to the Natural Insecticides section in Yardener’s Tool Shed for details on each product.
