Best Pesticide For Scale Insects

You may spot white, flat, segmented insects crawling on and under surfaces. They tend to gather near corners and cracks, especially on walls and ceilings. They don’t harm people or most building materials, but they can leave an unsightly mess. Pesticides are used to control scale insects. Scale insects thrive in hot weather and multiply rapidly. Large colonies make the bark peel away to expose the wood underneath, causing the sap to flow freely, making them easy targets for white fly, a cottony substance known as honeydew forms on the plant stems which may be eaten by ants and produce anthracnose pathogens of black stem rot from excessive moisture on your plants.

What causes scale infestation?

The main cause of scale infestation is a combination of two things: the presence of sooty mold and the honeydew produced by the scale insects.

Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on plants, which can be promoted by a number of factors. One of these factors is the honeydew produced by scale insects as they feed on plants. In turn, this attracts fungal organisms that promote the growth of sooty mold in some (but not all) scales.

How do you get rid of scale insects?

There are several ways to get rid of scale insects, which have a tendency to be particularly pesky and persistent.

First, prune infected branches. If you catch the infestation while it is still light, this is often the easiest and surest solution.

Next, treat with rubbing alcohol. You can also spray your plants with a mixture of one part alcohol to three parts water. This will kill any remaining eggs or larvae on the plant.

Third, apply horticultural oil to your plants once every two weeks as a preventive measure for up to three months after the eggs hatch out (and any other time you see signs of an infestation).

Fourthly, apply insecticidal soap to your plants once every two weeks as a preventive measure for up to three months after the eggs hatch out (and any other time you see signs of an infestation).

Fifth, apply neem oil once every two weeks as a preventive measure for up to three months after the eggs hatch out (and any other time you see signs of an infestation).

Finally, try using beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to help control these pests.

What is the best treatment for scale?

The safest and most effective way to treat scale is with a horticultural oil spray. These insecticides contain oil in a form that will mix with water, so when you spray them onto an infested plant, they coat the scale insects and clogs their breathing pores.

Horticultural oils are safe for use around animals and children. They don’t leave any residue on the plant or the fruit it produces.

They take effect quickly, and they don’t require repeated applications—you can apply it once every month or two depending on your needs and situation.

What kills scale on contact?

Acephate, imidacloprid and dinotefuran are three commonly used systemic insecticides that are effective against scale. Treatment involves pouring the mixed insecticide at the base of the plant.

These systemic insecticides do not kill on contact, but they instead provide long-term control. This means that you have to apply them once or twice a year for several years in order to see results.

Systemic insecticides are applied to the soil, so they must be mixed with water before spraying on your plants.

How do you fix a scale infestation?

Monitor: Since no insecticide is effective once the soft or hard shell has formed, monitor your plants for the presence of scale. If you see any and it’s not too late, remove them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Use water: Water with a strong stream to dislodge scale insects before they can settle onto your plants. This will also help keep the leaves clean and prevent other pests from settling in.

Prune branches: Prune off any branch or stem that has been infested with scale insects. This will prevent them from spreading to other parts of the plant and allow you to focus on areas where they are active and growing rapidly.

Use natural predators: Some predators like ladybugs, lacewings and minute pirate bugs feed on scale insects without harming other beneficial species in your garden such as honeybees or other pollinators. These can be purchased from nurseries or online retailers year round so there is always something available for purchase if needed.

Apply horticultural oil: This can be applied directly onto infested areas without harming beneficial insects including bees and butterflies when mixed with an equal amount of water first before application so make sure whatever

How do you prevent scale insects?

If you want to keep scale insects at bay, you need to make sure that your garden is a healthy habitat for beneficial bugs. The first step is to establish a diverse ecosystem that includes plants that attract good bugs and repel bad ones.

Once your garden has the right balance of plants, you can use organic controls like horticultural oils, neem oil, canola oil, and botanically-derived plant oils. Insecticidal soap is another effective option.

When it comes to using pesticides in your garden, start with these organic options before resorting to chemical pesticides.

List of Pesticides for Scale Insects

The best way to control scale insects is by using pesticides that target their larvae and eggs. Pesticides containing carbaryl, permethrin, or trichlorfon are effective against adult female scale insects, while horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps work well against eggs and young larvae.

Here is a list of pesticides for killing scale insects:

Bonide (BND611) - Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control, Insecticide/Pesticide Concentrate (1 gal.)

Bonide (BND611) – Annual Tree and Shrub Insect Control, Insecticide/Pesticide Concentrate (1 gal.)

Price : $24.97

Features :

  • INSECT KILLER – This pest control is great for use on adelgids, aphids, bronze birch borers, emerald ash borer, leaf miners, scale, and many other species of bug. Will also prevent new infestations.
  • SOIL DRENCH APPLICATION – Concentrate dissolves in water allowing the insecticide to move through the root zone. Once in the roots, it moves up through the tree or shrub providing protection from insects. Also provides protection for new growth.
  • FOLIAGE PROTECTOR – Designed for use on listed fruit, nut and ornamental trees and shrubs.
  • WON’T WASH AWAY – Tree and Shrub Insect Control is rainproof within hours. For best results, spray with enough time for it to completely dry before it rains. Will not wash off after it has dried.
  • EASY APPLICATION – Product quickly mixes with water and should be applied by pouring or with backpack, compression, knapsack or tank type sprayers. Carefully read and use according to label directions.

Additional Info :

ColorLAWNGARD
Item Dimensions 
Height11.8 Inches
Width7.5 Inches
Length4.5 Inches
Weight8.2 Pounds

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Monterey LG 6342 Once A Year Insect Control Concentrate Systemic Insecticide/Pesticide Treatment, 32 oz

Monterey LG 6342 Once A Year Insect Control Concentrate Systemic Insecticide/Pesticide Treatment, 32 oz

Price : $19.99

Features :

  • BUG KILLER – This pest control is great for use on adelgids, aphids, leaf beetles, leafhoppers, mealy bugs, scale, whiteflies, borers, Japanese beetles and many more.
  • PROTECTS TREES AND SHRUBS – Once A Year Insect Control is designed for use on outdoor trees & shrubs along with the following fruit and nut trees: apple, loquat, oriental pear, pecan, crabapple, mayhaw, pear, and quince.
  • YEAR-LONG PROTECTION – Our insecticide dissolved in water moves down through the soil, where it is absorbed by the roots. Once absorbed, it moves up through the tree or shrub providing year-long insect protection. It even protects new growth.
  • SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE – Systemic insecticides are taken up inside the plant so that every part of the plant contains the chemical. This ensures the product won’t wash away and helps with the season-long control of all those annoying bugs.
  • EASY TO USE – Simply mix Once A Year Insect Control in a bucket of water and apply around the roots as a soil drench for a full year of insect control. No need to spray. Read label for mixing rates.

Additional Info :

Color32 oz.
Item Dimensions 
Height9 Inches
Width4 Inches
Length3 Inches
Weight2 Pounds

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Monterey LG 6302 Ready to Use Horticultural Oil Spray Insecticide/Pesticide Treatment for Control of Insects, 32 oz

Monterey LG 6302 Ready to Use Horticultural Oil Spray Insecticide/Pesticide Treatment for Control of Insects, 32 oz

Price : $15.19 ($0.47 / Fl Oz)

Features :

  • Insect Killer – this pest control is great for use on aphids, adelgids, spider mites, scale, trips, mealybugs, leafminers, fungus gnats, lace bugs, sawfly larvae and many more.
  • Foliage protector – our insecticide is designed for use on a variety of trees & plants including Azaleas, begonias, Apples, pears, almonds, oranges, pecans, zinnias, shrubs, shade trees, Ornamental trees and more.
  • Dormant & growing season spray – this product is designed for safe use during both the dormant and growing season. Application during each season will increase the effectiveness of the product’s insect control.
  • Organic gardening – the active ingredient of Monterey horticultural oil is mineral oil, which provides a great alternative to harsh, synthetic chemicals. Once dried, children and pets are safe to enter the application area.
  • Ready to use – horticultural oil spray is conveniently ready to use when it arrives. Apply directly from the container which is fitted with a trigger sprayer.

Additional Info :

Color32 Oz.
Item Dimensions 
Height12 Inches
Width3 Inches
Length9 Inches
Weight2.2 Pounds

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BioAdvanced 701810A Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide with Imidacloprid 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed, 32 oz, Concentrate

BioAdvanced 701810A Systemic Plant Fertilizer and Insecticide with Imidacloprid 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed, 32 oz, Concentrate

Price : $21.97

Features :

  • 12 MONTH PROTECTION: With just one application, kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for up to a year
  • INSECT & PEST KILLER: Kills Japanese Beetles, Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Leafminers, Aphids, Caterpillars, and more
  • SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZER: Plant food and fertilizer improves the health of your trees and shrubs
  • SYSTEMIC PROTECTION: Protects your potted and outdoor trees and shrubs from the roots to the stem of every leaf
  • RESTRICTIONS: Product intended only for non-bearing fruit and nut trees. Non-bearing fruits and nuts are plants that do not bear edible fruits and nuts for at least 12 months after application of pesticides. Not for sale in NY, CT, MD & VT.

Additional Info :

ColorConcentrate
Item Dimensions 
Height10.3 Inches
Width2.7 Inches
Length4.7 Inches
Weight2.3 Pounds

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Bonide 941 Pt Spray Systemic Insect Control Concentrate, 16 oz

Bonide 941 Pt Spray Systemic Insect Control Concentrate, 16 oz

Price : $17.98

Features :

  • OUTDOOR RESIDENTIAL USE – This pesticide is designed for outdoor residential use only. This is not a treatment for termite bugs, and it is harmful to humans and domestic animals if ingested.
  • TREATS MANY BUGS – There are a lot of bugs that can be killed with this product including thrips, mealybugs, scale, two-spotted spider mites, whiteflies and more. This is not a carpenter bee killer, so do not use this on blooming crops or weeds.
  • LONG-LASTING FORMULA – Bonide bug killer formula is economical and long-lasting. One pint can make up to 16 gallons of diluted spray, and it helps treat infestations immediately. Apply every 7 to 10 days as long as the infestation occurs.
  • FOR NON-EDIBLE PLANTS – This insect killer treatment is not meant for vegetable or fruit plants. This product is labeled for use on flower beds, roses, shrubs, and the like, but it is not labeled for use on any edibles, lawns, or turfs.
  • GREAT FOR SHRUBS AND TREES – If your ornamental garden, shrubs, or trees experience insect or pest infestation, this formula is a great way to control and protect these plants.

Additional Info :

Item Dimensions 
Height12 Inches
Width3 Inches
Length3 Inches
Weight1 Pounds

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Final words are,

Scale insects are a serious problem for many gardeners and farmers, and they can be difficult to get rid of. Luckily, there are several pesticides that you can use in your garden to get rid of scale insects.

The first step is to find the right pesticide for the type of scale insect you’re trying to kill. Some common types include soft scales, armored scales, and mealybugs. Each type has its own unique characteristics, which will affect what kind of pesticide works best against them.

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