Areca Palm Plant Has White And Black Spots

Question From: Beverly Hills, California, United States
Q: I have an Areca palm plant. It’s an indoor plant. It had developed white spots as and few black spots. I have read that this is called scale. Can you tell me the best way to sort this problem out before the plant dies.

A: Could also be mealy bug. I would take close up photos to a good independent garden center for a more accurate ID and form of control. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy