| There is scale on the stems of my Daphne tangutica. What do I do to eliminate it and when? |
| The small brown discs attached to stems and the undersides of leaves are scale insects. The adult females have a waxy outer shell that protects them and makes it difficult for insecticides to reach them. You can wipe the scales off with a damp cloth or push them off with a Q-tip. After you've removed them all, spray the entire plant with a light summer oil (available from Gardens Alive, 5100 Schenely Pl., Lawrenceburg, IN 47025; ph# 812/537-8650) to suffocate any remaining immature scale insects. Follow the label directions closely when applying. |
