Scale insects are some of the sneakiest pests you’ll find in the garden. They look harmless at first—tiny bumps clinging to stems and leaves—but left untreated, they can weaken your plants, attract sooty mould, and stunt growth.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to identify scale, prevent infestations, and choose the right treatment. We’ll also show you which products give you the best results, whether you grow indoors, outdoors, or in the greenhouse.
What Are Scale Insects?
Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that latch onto stems and leaves. There are two main groups:
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Soft scale – excrete sticky honeydew that leads to black sooty mould.
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Armoured scale – protected by a hard shell, often harder to control.
They thrive in warm, sheltered spots and attack ornamentals, fruit trees, indoor plants, and even hardy natives.
Signs of a Scale Infestation
Look out for these red flags in your plants:
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Sticky leaves or surfaces (honeydew)
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Black sooty mould growing on leaves
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Yellowing foliage or stunted growth
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Clusters of tiny brown, grey, or white “bumps” along stems
Catching them early makes control much easier.
How to Prevent Scale Insects
Prevention is always easier than cure. A few good habits:
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Inspect regularly: Check the underside of leaves and stems.
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Prune affected branches: Remove heavily infested parts before pests spread.
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Encourage natural predators: Ladybirds and parasitic wasps love feeding on scale.
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Keep plants healthy: Strong plants are less vulnerable—feed soil biology with Root Roids.
Treatment Options: Step-by-Step
1. Start with pruning and cleaning
Cut back heavily infested areas and dispose of them (don’t compost them). Wipe small infestations with a damp cloth or a cotton bud dipped in mild soap solution.
2. Organic foliar sprays
Apply horticultural oils and natural sprays to smother pests and dissolve protective coatings.
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Try PureCrop1 – an all-natural, plant-based formula safe for edible crops.
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For tougher infestations, use Neem Oil to suffocate scale insects while leaving beneficial bugs unharmed.
3. Systemic & biological solutions
For stubborn armoured scale or repeated outbreaks:
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Kill-a-Mite (active ingredient abamectin) provides long-lasting protection inside the plant’s system.
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Combine with microbial boosters like Tribus Original to strengthen plant resilience naturally.
4. Repeat treatments
Scale insects often hatch in waves. Spray weekly for 2–3 weeks, ensuring you coat both sides of leaves and stems.
FAQs About Scale Insects
Q. Are scale insects harmful to humans?
No, they don’t bite or sting people. The problem is the damage they do to your plants.
Q. Can I treat scale indoors safely?
Yes—use PureCrop1, which is non-toxic and safe for indoor plant use.
Q. How long does it take to get rid of scale?
Mild infestations clear within a couple of weeks of consistent treatment. Heavy infestations may take a season to fully control.
Take Back Control of Your Garden
Scale insects can be persistent, but with early action and the right products, you’ll have your plants thriving again in no time.
Explore our full Scale Insect Control collection for trusted, gardener-approved solutions that work in Aussie conditions.
👉 Start protecting your garden today—your plants will thank you.
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