Scale insects can cause major damage to houseplants if you don't act in time. An infestation manifests itself in specific symptoms that you should definitely be aware of. In this article we explain all the basic facts about scale insects so that you can find the cause as quickly as possible and take action against the pests.
Scale insects are often difficult to see at first glance
identify scale insects
Scale insects come in different types. The pest has the Latin name Coccoidea and is widespread throughout Central Europe. The animals have the following characteristics:
- Body size from 0.8 to 6 mm
- equipped with a proboscis
- stay primarily on the underside of the leaves
- live in colonies
- usually only the females show their gratitude
Note: Did you know that the females, which can measure up to 6 mm, are immobile? Only the larvae are able to change location. Male scale insects fare even worse: they cannot eat and die after a few days. Their mission in life is to fertilize the females.
Causes of scale insect infestation
Scale insects primarily attack weakened plants. Houseplants in particular are affected, since one-sided care measures are taken in closed rooms. In the garden, the conditions fluctuate due to the weather and make it difficult for the pests to adapt. The following care mistakes favor the occurrence:
- lack of water
- nutrient deficiency
- waterlogging
- over-fertilization
- low humidity
- too little light
treatment measures
You don't like chemistry? We praise that! Instead, you should rely on the following home remedies, which are just as promising when used multiple times:
collect
In the early stages, the scale insects can be collected manually or brushed off with a brush. Note, however, that mostly only the females make an appearance. The larvae, on the other hand, remain in the substrate, which is why a new generation can always occur.
curd soap
Make your own biological spray from natural home remedies. Curd soap is suitable for this:
- 15 ml curd soap
- and 15 ml spirits
- dissolve in 1 liter of water
- pour into a spray bottle
- spray on the leaves
beneficials
Beneficial insects such as lacewings, gall midges or parasitic wasps (€22.99) are natural predators of scale insects. They are commercially available in small bags and are placed on the houseplant. Depending on the type of beneficial insect, you should adjust the site conditions according to its needs. The animals harm neither the plant nor your health. When all scale insects are gone, they die a natural death.