Scale Insects
Coccoidea superfamily
About the scale insects
Scale insects are weird little immobile bumps in tan, brown, white, or grey that you find permanently attached to plant stems, leaves (especially veins), and bark of ornamentals, citrus, and houseplants. They look like small scabs, but they're alive — piercing the plant and feeding on sap. They secrete honeydew or wax, cause yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and sooty mold. Horticultural oil, systemic insecticide, pruning heavily infested branches, and introducing beneficial ladybugs are the standard controls.
Quick ID
1–5 mm immobile bumps in tan, brown, white, or grey; look like small scabs on stems.
In the Triangle
Common on Triangle ornamentals, especially azaleas, camellias, and houseplants brought outside in summer.
Think you have scale insectss?
Free inspection from a licensed Castle Exterminators technician — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary & the Triangle. We'll confirm the species and recommend a treatment plan.
Request Free Inspection (919) 606-8686
