• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Control Scale Insects on Houseplants

Bumps on the leaves and stems of your houseplants indicate scale insects have moved in and are feasting on these plants. 

Scale insects suck plant juices, causing leaves to yellow, brown and become distorted. These pests secrete a clear sticky substance called honeydew. Large populations eventually weaken and can even kill some plants.  

You will need to be persistent to control these pests.  Their hard shells are impervious to most pesticides. 

Start by gently scraping the hard-shelled insects off the plant with an old toothbrush or your thumbnail. Check the upper and lower leaf surfaces and all along the stems.

Then spray the plant with insecticidal soap to kill the immature insects that have not yet formed their hard pesticide-resistant shells. Or use a horticulture oil, like Summit Year-Round Spray Oil that kills all stages of this pest.

A bit more information:  Be sure to read and follow label directions when using any chemicals including organic, natural and synthetic products.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW