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New Jersey Gardening

What insect made these tubes?

11 years ago

I found these fuzzy tubes on one section of my potted hibiscus. Although I have several (actually more than a few plants) these tubes only appeared on this one plant. The leaves appear healthy, no spots or chew marks. Any ideas if this is a good insect or bad?

P.S. When I removed the tubes there was a dry yellow/orange powdery substance inside.

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
That's a form of scale, a sucking insect. If you can scrape them off without damage to the leaves, do so. Otherwise, dipping a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wiping them off should work as well.

Scale can be a HUGE problem with houseplants (not good with outdoor plants either), so you want to remove it as thoroughly and as completely as possible.
blubird
Original Author
10 years ago
I did remove them thoroughly and washed the few leaves with soap and water. So far I haven't seen any other tubes.
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