Sunday, November 1, 2009

Scale insect infestation


These pictures were taken during a routine monitoring of the Kotturpuram PWD park. The scale insect, which has struck all over the city seems to have found its way here as well. It secretes honeydew that attracts ants. Indeed, i saw many big black ones right next to the scale insects.

How do you get rid of these vile creatures? Someone suggested cutting and burning of the affected branches. Any less drastic ideas?

1 comment:

Les said...

I would like to thank you for visiting my blog.

Without resorting to major chemical controls, we usually recommend spraying what we call dormant oil for scale. It is a parafin based oil with an emulsifier so that it will mix easily with water. We spray in the dormant season normally, but other times work as well, but not when it is really hot.